Nine teachers from Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) are being celebrated as National Board Certified Teachers. Five teachers maintained their certifications, and four received their certification for the first time.
"National Board Certification sets a standard of excellence for the teaching profession, similar to how other professional careers have boards that they study for and take to show expertise. Education leaders developed this process to help elevate the profession, but it also helps teachers reach their potential by engaging them in deep reflection on their practice. But the main focus is on success for the students, and the positive impact of becoming Board Certified on the methods of teaching has been proven to improve student outcomes," Basha High School's Erica Davis, a National Board-certified English teacher, said.
This year, there were 83 new certified teachers in Arizona overall, and there were 121 who maintained in Arizona overall. There are 32 Board-certified teachers overall in CUSD.
During the week of January 22-26, #NBCTWeek, the nine teachers were surprised with a celebratory pennant at their respective schools. They will be honored with a ceremony in March.
Candidates take between one and three years to complete the certification process. National Board Certification is currently supported through funding and grants from Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Teachers Academy. The Arizona K12 Center is the organization that oversees this funding process and candidate support networks in Arizona.
The application process consists of four components:
- A computer-based assessment in your certificate area
- A differentiated instruction in which applicants analyze student strengths and weaknesses and then design and teach lessons to increase student growth
- A video recording of yourself teaching lessons and writing a commentary
- A self-reflection piece which includes reflecting on how applicants used formative and summative assessments to increase student achievement
Congratulations once again to the following teachers at CUSD.
New National Board Certified Teachers
- Ying Shao, Tarwater Elementary School
- Danica Schroeder, Santan Elementary School
- Megan Driving Hawk, Perry High School
- Michelle Luttrell, Elite Performance Academy
Re-certified National Board Certified Teachers
- Rachel Eaton, Andersen Elementary School
- Stephanie Moore, Auxier Elementary School
- Karen McBurney, Santan Elementary School
- Jackie Hernandez, Shumway Leadership Academy
- Cynthia James, Perry High School
