Teachers who have completed this certification have their classroom doors decorated with streamers to congratulate them for completing their certification.
Walking through the halls the past couple of weeks, students may have noticed various doors decorated with streamers and congratulatory messages. These meaningful recognitions are meant to honor our exceptional teachers at Watauga High School who have become National Board Certified, a challenging, yet rewarding, accomplishment.
“National Board Certification is the highest and most respected level of certification for teachers in the nation,” said Keana Triplett, Curriculum Facilititor at Watauga who provides support to certifying teachers. “It was designed for accomplished teachers to develop in their teaching practice through a rigorous portfolio and testing process.”
Emily Grogan, an English teacher here at Watauga, became a newly certified teacher this year despite the difficult process.
“This process entails a great deal of hard work, time, and dedication,” said Grogan. “I spent countless hours on each of the three portfolio components and studying for the assessment. There are four components that you must submit in order to become a NBCT (National Board Certified Teacher).”
Each component tests a different area of teaching and learning in order to demonstrate how the teacher impacts the students in the classroom.
“Component 1 is a content area test. This component analyzes the teacher's content knowledge and application of that knowledge. Components 2, 3, and 4 are a written portfolio. These components require deep analysis of a teacher's classroom practices in differentiation, pedagogy, and reflection,” said Triplett. “In this portfolio, teachers are required to video themselves teaching large and small groups, clearly communicate their learning goals, intentions, and reflect on how their practice could improve, as well as analyze their impact on student learning.”
Although the submission requires countless hours of hard work and commitment, the nature of this portfolio ultimately benefits the students of these teachers.
“This process typically results in an improved teaching practice, as it is one of the most relevant and impactful professional learning experiences in the profession,” said Triplett. “As for the benefits to students, multiple studies have shown that students who have a Nationally Board certified teacher have higher levels of learning.”
Alongside the benefits for students, there are significant benefits for the teachers who complete their National Board Certification.
“In North Carolina, educators receive a salary increase of 12% upon becoming National Board Certified,” said Grogan.
This monetary award encourages teachers in the state to maintain this respected level of certification. Besides the monetary incentive, becoming a National Board Certified Teacher encourages faculty members to pursue professional development in their schools.
“I learned so much through this journey, and I am a better teacher for going through this process,” said Grogan. “National Board Certification is by far the hardest thing I have done as a teacher, but it was so worth it!”
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