Congratulations to Frederick Carder Elementary teachers Brad McKinney and Anne Walters for earning their National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards! The NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit organization with a goal to advance accomplished teaching for all students. The organization states the National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas across many disciplines from Pre-K through 12th grade.
NBPTS, as detailed on their website, says the certification process requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with Five Core Propositions. For example, they must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning. NBPTS says that more than 125,000 teachers across the United States have achieved this Board certification.
Ms. Walters said, “I decided to do National Board because I wanted to take the time to really think about my teaching practice, examine what I was doing and be brave enough to do it better. This process has absolutely had a positive impact on me as a teacher. I have learned to look at what I do more critically. It has given me confidence in my decision making and confidence to ask more questions when I need help or advice. I take the time to ensure that what I am doing is truly equitable. I love that the National Board process has made me a more reflective teacher.”
“Eighteen years of teaching in the classroom has given me solid knowledge of content, pedagogy, and methodology,” said Mr. McKinney. “However, the National Board certification process taught me how to reflect on that experience. It is the learning from reflection that has made me a better teacher. This process is truly the best thing a teacher can do to impact the entire classroom community. I know my students better and can justify, defend, explain, and back-up every decision I make in the classroom.”
Ms. Walters and Mr. McKinney are part of the 1% of New York teachers with National Board Certification. Their certification is in literacy.
Learn more at this link: https://www.nbpts.org/ and https://www.nbcny.org/