Fifteen more PWC teachers earn national certification

Fifteen outstanding educators have joined the roll of National Board Certified teachers across the nation and in Prince William County schools, according to Irene Cromer, supervisor of School community relations.

Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process that takes 1-3 years to complete. It is a performance-based assessment of skills and content knowledge. Certification indicates a teacher has earned the highest credential available to American educators and has met the high set of standards established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), which define the knowledge, skills, and accomplishments that comprise teaching excellence.

“As the nation focuses on building the strongest possible teaching workforce, National Board Certification is the gold standard in affirming excellence in the classroom,” said Ron Thorpe, NBPTS president and CEO. “These highly qualified teachers are true ‘nation builders,’ and are the educators who are best positioned to lead the ground-up movement our schools need to reach their potential.”

A recent comprehensive study by the nonpartisan National Research Council found that students taught by board certified teachers make higher gains on achievement tests than students taught by other teachers. In fact, improved student learning and achievement are two key benefits of the programs and services provided through NBPTS.

The 15 teachers, along with five additional teachers who were recertified, will be recognized at a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center in Manassas. The teachers are:

Stephanie Baran, Victory Elementary School;
Cheryl-Joy Carrington, West Gate Elementary School;
Amy Cofer, Henderson Elementary School;
Michelle Dunphy, Belmont Elementary School;
Rose Gallitz, Battlefield High School;
Melinda Goodin, Fred M. Lynn Middle School;
Robyn (Cole) Gorham, Woodbridge Middle School;
Lisa Jacobsmeyer, Henderson Elementary School;
Claire Kaiser, Reagan Middle School;
Tina Katz, Ellis Elementary School;
Erica Laich, Stonewall Jackson High School;
Kristin Mackert, Stonewall Jackson High School;
Dawn Moulen, Battlefield High School;
Laura Nichols, Signal Hill Elementary School;
Tara O’Neill, Loch Lomond Elementary School;
Karen Rubrecht, Gainesville Middle School;
Jeanette Spann, Minnieville Elementary School;
Lisa Thayne, Ashland Elementary School;
Patrick Ware, Fitzgerald Elementary School; and
Crystal Watt, Ashland Elementary School