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.

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Additionally, Washington was among seven other states in 2017 who increased their total number of NBCTs by more than 10%.\r\n

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Created 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. 

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According 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

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“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

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“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

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There 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

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Ridgefield School District proudly recognizes each of our National Board Certified teachers:

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SOUTH RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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Jamie Griffith\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2009\r\n

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Angela Kapus\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2015\r\n

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Sara Marshall\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2014\r\n

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Erika Muir\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Generalist/Early Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2004.  Renewed in 2014.\r\n

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Shandel Oderman\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2017 (newly-certified)\r\n

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Tiffany Quast\r\n

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Certificate Area:  English As a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2017 (newly-certified)\r\n

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Morning Stalcup\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Mathematics/Early Adolescence\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2015\r\n

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UNION RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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Randi Christopherson\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2017 (newly-certified)\r\n

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Ellen Ferrin\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Generalist/Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2010\r\n

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Mindy Morris\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2017 (newly-certified)\r\n

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VIEW RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Kathryn James\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Science/Early Adolescence\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2017 (newly-certified)\r\n

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Michelle Hankins\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Art/Early Adolescence Through Young Adulthood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2014\r\n

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Kristi Young\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Science/Early Adolescence\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2010\r\n

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RIDGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

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Austin Biel\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2011\r\n

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Bob Ford\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2009\r\n

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John Harvey\r\n

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Certificate Area:  English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2010\r\n

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Bob Meek\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Music/Early Adolescence Through Young Adulthood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2010\r\n

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SOUTH RIDGE ELEMENTARY/UNION RIDGE ELEMENTARY

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Nathan Lee\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2015\r\n

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VIEW RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL/RIDGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

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Elisa Smith\r\n

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Certificate Area:  Mathematics/Early Adolescence\r\n

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Original Certification Year:  2007.  Renewed in 2017.\r\n