Lake Geneva Joint #1 Teachers Renew National Board Certification
Renewal Process Reinforces High Standards, Commitment to Excellent Teaching
Julie Kolb and Cheryl Shirk, elementary teachers in the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District are two of thousands of teachers across the United States to renew their certification as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT).
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is excited to celebrate these teachers along with the more than 20,000 teachers currently pursuing Board certification – seen as the profession’s mark of accomplished teaching.
“Today’s announcement is a reason to celebrate teachers who are committed to their students and the teaching profession. It’s a joy to recognize the thousands who have shown that they teach to the highest standards in the profession. Research makes clear that the 125,000 NBCTs teaching in our nation’s schools have a significant impact on student learning. Students of all backgrounds are the beneficiaries. The future becomes brighter as we all work towards an accomplished teacher for every student, in every classroom, across the country,” said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, President and CEO of The National Board.
Julie is a first grade teacher at Central Denison Elementary School. Cheryl currently works as the virtual math teacher for 4th and 5th grade students at Eastview Elementary School. Both joined the Lake Geneva Joint #1 district in the 2008-2009 school year.
“After our initial certification in November of 2009, we knew the importance of determining that our teaching practice was still in alignment with the expectations of the profession. We understood that the work in reflecting upon our teaching was worth the time and effort so we were excited to see how we could impact student growth for many years to come,” Cheryl stated. “As all professional growth experiences go, we know that our learning is never done. We are thrilled to continue to elevate the profession as teacher leaders through this rewarding and valuable process,” Julie added.
The National Board is working to set the expectation that all teachers in every classroom should demonstrate accomplished teaching via National Board certification and become leaders in their schools and communities. Every child should have the opportunity to learn from an accomplished teacher.
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About the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (www.nbpts.org):
The founding mission of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is to advance the quality of teaching and learning by: (1) maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do; (2) providing a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards; and (3) advocating related education reforms to integrate National Board Certification in American education and to capitalize on the expertise of National Board Certified Teachers. Recognized nationwide, the National Board believes higher standards for teachers means better learning for students.