Superintendent’s Message

The mediocre teacher tells.  The good teacher explains.  The superior teacher demonstrates.  The great teacher inspires. 

                                                             ~William Arthur Ward, inspirational writer

Dear Neighbor:

In looking back on our own formative years, many of us can remember one special teacher who inspired us, caused us to think outside the box, served as a leading example, a role model who helped us shape our own destiny or challenged us to ask questions, delve into details, dream, and stretch our imagination.

Every child deserves such an inspiration.  An accomplished teacher—one who is qualified to equip students with the skills to succeed in the 21^st century global community—is the goal of national board certification, a growing educational reform movement that is helping to advance student learning, improve teaching and making schools better across the nation.  Teachers who achieve this highest national certification must meet high standards through study, expert evaluation, self-assessment, and peer review.

Because tomorrow’s leaders are in our classrooms today, our District 124 vision to help students achieve high levels of educational excellence is at the forefront of all we do. As a district, we are especially excited to be able to financially assist our teachers in pursuing national board certification, an advanced teaching credential which complements, but does not replace, a state’s teacher license. 

Valid for 10 years, the extensive application and preparatory process arms educators with the tools to improve teaching strategies and students' classroom performance. Candidates must complete an entry portfolio and pass a comprehensive test to earn certification.

The National Board for Professional Teaching has developed standards for accomplished teaching in 16 different subject areas with students at various developmental levels.  These standards are based on five core propositions that form the foundation for what all accomplished teachers should know and be able to do and provide a reference that helps educators link teaching standards to teaching practice.

Even though completing the application can take teachers up to 300 hours outside the working day, teachers pursuing the gold standard of teaching credentials say the process which places heavy emphasis on reflection and analysis offers invaluable insight and opportunities for growth.

Five Core Propositions

· Teachers are committed to students and their learning.

· Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.

· Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.

· Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.

· Teachers are members of learning communities.

While not a required credential, national board certification provides both internal and external validation. 

Brian Horn, a Central Junior High language arts teacher currently participating in the national board certification process, says it’s the high standards of excellence he sets for himself and his students which helped him make the decision to pursue certification.

“Teachers who achieve national board certification have been assessed against the nation’s most advanced teaching standards,” he says.  “The process allows teachers to grow as individuals and as educators by engaging in a rigorous process of intensive study, self-reflection, peer review, and expert evaluation, and has been the most profound and valuable professional development experience of my career.”

Research shows that the national board certification process benefits both teachers and students alike. As educators work to strengthen teaching practice, students taught by national board certified teachers reap academic rewards, as documented in a 2008 congressionally-mandated National Research Council report.

Learning is a life-long process and we are very excited to be able to assist our educators in this journey of professional growth and development.

Dr. Diane P. Cody