Shoreline teachers earn National Board Certifications

From left, Shorewood teachers Mikael Christensen, Clark Youmans, Alisan Giesy and Andrew Bagley have earned their National Board Certifications.

Ten Shoreline School District teachers have received their certifications from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

The teachers and schools are:

• Jennifer Altena, Syre
• Andrew Bagley, Shorewood
• Cristi Camp, Einstein
• Mikael Christensen, Shorewood
• Alisan Giesy, Shorewood
• Roberta Ruark, Shorecrest
• Brynne Saskor, Shorecrest
• Marybeth Scherf, Lake Forest Park
• Clark Youmans, Shorewood
• Cheryl Zahajiko, Lake Forest Park

With this latest announcement, Shoreline now has a total of 66 board-certified teachers currently working in the District. Numbers released by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards show that Washington has the second-most new NBCTs (945), behind only North Carolina, and is fourth overall in the total number of NBCTs (6,242). This achievement brings the total number of teachers certified nationwide to nearly 100,000.

The national certification process takes a minimum of 18 months. Teachers must demonstrate in their four-part portfolio a deep understanding and application of the national standards that are in place for their field of teaching. A national panel of peers then assesses the portfolio. Teachers also take a six-part examination in their content area.

The Shoreline School District supports the National Board Certification program by paying half of the registration fee. Those who complete the program receive a yearly salary bonus approved by the Legislature. Teachers attaining certification provide 25 hours of service either teaching professional development classes, supporting or mentoring colleagues, or working on projects.

Created in 1987, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the quality of teaching and learning. For more information, visit the NBPTS website.

Washington state continues to place near the top of the country in National Board Certified teachers.

Numbers released today by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards show that Washington has the second-most new NBCTs (945), behind only North Carolina, and is fourth overall in the total number of NBCTs (6,242).

“The National Board program is one of our most successful,” said Randy Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction. “Each year Washington scores very well nationally in the number of new Board-certified teachers. Administrators, legislators and parents all understand just how important certification is. It makes better teachers, which in turn helps all of our students.”