Return to Headlines
According to their official website, the National Board was created “to advance the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching, creating a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards and integrating Board-certified teachers into educational reform efforts.”
National Board Renewal Reflects District's Commitment To Student And Teacher Development
February 12, 2014
As a result of the renewal of her status as a National Board Certified teacher, Natoma Station Elementary School’s Debbie Steele will remain in the five percent of teachers in Folsom Cordova with this honor. This statistic is 170 percent higher than the national average.
According to their official website, the National Board was created “to advance the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching, creating a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards and integrating Board-certified teachers into educational reform efforts.”
Lead Teacher K-6 ELA Sara Parenzin described the program as “rigorous,” and compared the exam to taking an “AP test.” To become Board certified, Parenzin said, teachers must take assessments, such as videotaping themselves teaching. However, the process doesn’t end there. In order to remain active, teachers must submit a Profile of Professional Growth every 10 years to show evidence of improvement.
Because of this commitment, not all teachers choose to renew their membership.
However, Steele says she once again underwent the certification process because it is important to her in representing Natoma Station and FCUSD.
“National Board Certification is important to me because I want to ensure that my students receive a quality education,” Steele said. “I originally got my teaching credential in 1983 and I wanted to stay current and measure my teaching ability against the rigorous national teaching standards.”
Evidently, this dedication to quality education also sets FCUSD apart. According to Parenzin, out of the neighboring districts, San Juan Unified School District and Dry Creek have one percent of their teachers nationally board certified, Dry Creek has 1 percent, Elk Grove has 0.5 percent, Sac City has 0.2 percent. Eureka, Buckeye, and Rescue have no board certified teachers.
Part of this gap may derive from FCUSD’s championing of the program. Parenzin says that the District values high quality instruction, and is committed to supporting teachers in professional growth.
“From my standpoint, we’re making an investment in our teachers, and that will have a positive impact on student learning,” she said.
For teachers who want to be challenged and validated, and strive to make a difference, Steele encourages them to undergo the process, and join the 42 other board certified teachers in the district. Despite giving up months of free time, Steele says that the process forces teachers “to critically look at ... [their] teaching practice and reflect on why/how you teach.”
“I hope to continue to impact my students and other teachers. What they really want to see in the renewal is that you have continued your professional growth by impacting your students and your community,” Steele said. “There is the expectation that as a NBCT, you have taken on a leadership role to share your knowledge.”
The district appreciates Steel’s commitment.
“We are extremely proud of Mrs. Steele and her desire for continued growth, once again she has provided evidence of accomplished teaching and a positive impact on student learning,” Parenzin said. “We are honored to have her in the Folsom Cordova Family.”