Numbers released this week by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) show that Washington topped the state rankings for total number (1,435) of new 2017 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs)--the most of any state. The figure is based on self-reported data by NBCT membership.
\r\nAdditionally, Washington was among seven other states in 2017 who increased their total number of NBCTs by more than 10%.\r\n
\r\nCreated in 1987, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the quality of teaching and learning.\r\n
Teachers achieving national board certification go through a rigorous performance-based, peer-review process that takes one- to five-years to achieve. Recognized as the “gold standard” in teacher certification, it speaks to a teacher’s dedication in elevating his/her teaching practice in order to provide students with a quality learning experience.
\r\nAccording to the NBPTS, the research is clear: Teaching is the most important school-related factor that determines student success. Higher standards for teachers means better learning for students.\r\n
\r\n“Washington’s teachers are some of the finest in the country, and this additional certification will make a tremendous difference to their students, schools, and communities,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “There is no more important job than a teacher as their work impacts countless lives and futures. I applaud these Nationally Board Certified teachers for their hard work and determination.”\r\n
\r\n“We are fortunate to have 19 teachers on staff who have earned this distinguished certification,” said Superintendent Nathan McCann. “Their dedication brings accomplished teaching and improved learning to the classroom, critical to the long-term success of our schools.” \r\n
\r\nThere are more than 118,000 Board-Certified teachers nationwide. This week, January 8-12, the nation celebrates #TeamNBCT Week, honoring all National Board Certified Teachers . Please show your appreciation by commending and congratulating our National Board Certified Teachers for accomplishing this remarkable achievement in person or by sharing messages online via Twitter or Facebook.\r\n
\r\nRidgefield School District proudly recognizes each of our National Board Certified teachers:
\r\nSOUTH RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
\r\nJamie Griffith\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2009\r\n
\r\nAngela Kapus\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2015\r\n
\r\nSara Marshall\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2014\r\n
\r\nErika Muir\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Generalist/Early Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2004. Renewed in 2014.\r\n
\r\nShandel Oderman\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2017 (newly-certified)\r\n
\r\nTiffany Quast\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: English As a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2017 (newly-certified)\r\n
\r\nMorning Stalcup\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Mathematics/Early Adolescence\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2015\r\n
\r\nUNION RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
\r\nRandi Christopherson\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2017 (newly-certified)\r\n
\r\nEllen Ferrin\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Generalist/Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2010\r\n
\r\nMindy Morris\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2017 (newly-certified)\r\n
\r\nVIEW RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
\r\nKathryn James\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Science/Early Adolescence\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2017 (newly-certified)\r\n
\r\nMichelle Hankins\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Art/Early Adolescence Through Young Adulthood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2014\r\n
\r\nKristi Young\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Science/Early Adolescence\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2010\r\n
\r\nRIDGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
\r\nAustin Biel\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2011\r\n
\r\nBob Ford\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2009\r\n
\r\nJohn Harvey\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2010\r\n
\r\nBob Meek\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Music/Early Adolescence Through Young Adulthood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2010\r\n
\r\nSOUTH RIDGE ELEMENTARY/UNION RIDGE ELEMENTARY
\r\nNathan Lee\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2015\r\n
\r\nVIEW RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL/RIDGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
\r\nElisa Smith\r\n
\r\nCertificate Area: Mathematics/Early Adolescence\r\n
\r\nOriginal Certification Year: 2007. Renewed in 2017.\r\n