Mr. Lozano

Bowie High School in the El Paso Independent School District is proud to announce that Social Studies teacher Oscar Lozano achieved National Board Certification in November, 2003. Mr. Lozano is a 13-year veteran teacher, attended the old Bowie High School and UTEP, and holds a Master’s Degree in History as well as his teacher certification. In addition to teaching, he is the social studies department representative for Campus Improvement Team, the committee chairman for Campus Staff Development, and the sponsor for the student organization MEChA. He presented a paper on the Salt Wars of 1877-1878 last year to the San Elizario Historical Society, and in conjunction with that presentation, is working on developing instructional materials in the form of an interactive CD. Mr. Lozano has presented papers related to his Master’s thesis on Sinarquismo, the Mexican Fascist Movement, to the Rocky Mountain Historical Society and the Conferencia Regional de Historia Comparada in Cd. Juárez. He is known for involving students in school surveys on issues ranging from binge drinking to the war in Iraq, and for getting students to understand that history is a major influence in how we live today.

“The NBPTS’ (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards) certification process is definitely an enlightening experience in that is forces the teacher to take a critical look at his/her classroom teaching, reflect on it, and determine aspects that can be improved,” Lozano said. “The whole experience was an eye-opener and after 12 years in the profession, a humbling experience, because it enabled me to understand clearly what it takes to be an effective teacher.”

Lozano continued, “National Board Certification is beneficial on 3 levels. On a personal level, it reaffirms the teacher and his/her chosen profession. At the campus level, it strengthens the efforts of all involved in improving the academic success of students in a priority school such as Bowie. Thirdly, the more EPISD encourages and supports its teachers to successfully go through the certification process, the easier it will be for the district to meet the criteria for adequate yearly progress called for under NCLB. The certification process grants those involved the best professional development possible.”

“I think it is imperative for everyone concerned to work to get as many district teachers as possible Board Certified,” remarked Lozano. “I saw the stated mission goals of NBPTS and was impressed. I thought it would benefit the Bowie learning community professionally and in the classroom. It’s definitely made a difference. It made me a better teacher, helped me understand what good teaching really is. Other colleagues don’t get excited about the opportunity. They have the discipline to get a 4-year degree or more, so this shouldn’t scare them off.”

EPISD teachers interested in National Board Certification may contact Bonnie McKinley in Staff Development at 587-1139 for more information. The National Board Resource Center at UTEP (747-5357) is also available to provide information for teachers from any school district.