National Board Certification:
In Woodland, we have committed to ensuring “that each child has full access to, is engaged in, and obtains an excellent education.” One very intentional strategy we’ve used to promote quality teaching and learning is to promote and support National Board Certification.
Recognized as the gold standard in teacher certification, the National Board believes higher standards for teachers mean better student learning. The founding mission of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is to advance the quality of teaching and learning by maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. First published in 1989 and updated in 2016, What Teachers Should Know and Be Able to Do articulates the National Board’s Five Core Propositions for teaching. The Five Core Propositions — comparable to medicine’s Hippocratic Oath — set forth the profession's vision for accomplished teaching. The following propositions encompass all National Board Standards and are the foundation for National Board Certification.
I am pleased to formally announce that Katie Klaus is the newest National Board Certified Teacher in Woodland and that Rebecca Blanshan, Michael Lindsay, and Kelly Beasley have all successfully been awarded renewal status for their National Board Certification. The certification and recertification process is rigorous and require they provide much evidence of their effective teaching practices. This accomplishment is truly worth celebrating.
Currently, we have six other teachers working toward certification this year, and all are receiving support in our local cohort support program offered by two Woodland National Board Certified teacher leaders, Jason Cowley and Janelle DeGroot. This support program formally offers candidates regular professional development to learn about the national board certification process, review sample entries, and even meet with and learn from those who score entries. Along with this professional development, the candidates receive one day of sub-time to work on their certification and the opportunity to meet with trainers and review their entries before submitting them. I am pleased we maintain one of the highest success rates in the state.
Our model is very attractive to new employees as few other districts offer this degree or quality of support. We also find the program helps retain quality staff seeking to learn and grow. The feedback I have received from staff regarding this program of support has been very positive. This success perpetuates enrollment in the program as our community of teachers understands they will be supported thoroughly. As more participate, instructional practices improve, and students' access to excellent educational experiences increases.
Presently Woodland boasts 20 Nationally Board Certified teachers across our various schools.