The image of the schoolteacher has evolved over the years, transitioning from a one-size-meets-all approach to one that requires the teacher to motivate, differentiate, innovate and then celebrate each student.  While most teachers rise to this challenge, a select group of teachers undergo a rigorous process in order to become National Board Certified.

 

In Harrison County, there are currently 32 such teachers, with two cohorts currently developing candidates.  The process is arduous, requiring teachers to spend up to three years compiling portfolios, preparing for a test and presenting evidence of their commitment to student achievement.  For the first time ever, Harrison County honored those who have undergone this process and embraced it as one filled with personal and professional growth.

 

Fifteen years ago, Kay Devono became the first teacher in Harrison County to become a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT).  She was the keynote speaker at the Harrison County National Board Certified Teacher Recognition Dinner, held at the Clarksburg Country Club on April 28. 

 

Nutter Fort Primary Teacher Connie Bowers had attended a similar event in another county and wanted to initiate a dinner to recognize that teachers who have completed the process of becoming National Board Certified.  Bowers was instrumental in organizing the dinner, along with Elissa Whelchel, Stacy Ward, Candice Phipps, and Bridgeport High School Spanish teacher, Jenny Santilli.  The group is part of the NBCT Network, who collectively make up a team of teachers dedicated to promoting awareness of the National Board and encouraging teachers who take the step toward completing the process.

 

The evening showcased the accomplishments of all of the Harrison County Nationally Board Certified Teachers, but focused on the night’s honorees, Amanda Herrod of Lincoln High School and Laura Trent of Norwood Elementary.  Donna Hage, Assistant Superintendent of Harrison County and Nationally Board Certified teacher herself, gave an overview of the history of NBCT in Harrison County. 

 

Among the standards set for participants, teachers are challenged to demonstrate a commitment to student learning, show knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject being taught, be able to manage a classroom and use their professional experience to differentiate learning styles as needed.  Additionally, teachers must show collaboration efforts and involvement with learning communities in both the school and community settings.

 

Dr. Mark Manchin offered congratulations to the honorees, allowing Devono’s son, Frank Jr., to introduce his mother and elaborate on how the NBCT process impacted the family’s life.  Herrod, the most recent Harrison County teacher to become Nationally Certified was honored as well as the county’s first renewal candidate, Laura Trent.  “The evening was very emotional to watch,” said NBCT Jenny Santilli.  “We all know how much work went into the certification and we are genuinely excited to welcome new candidates to our “family.”

 

Instrumental in the process of developing National Board Certified Teachers in Harrison County is Secondary Academic Instructional Specialist Joetta Schneider.  “Increasing the number of teachers who are National Board Certified is one of the five year goals for the West Virginia State Department of Education,” said Schneider, who currently offers professional development sessions in the theories and models of good teaching practices. 

 

“Each semester we run a basic informational meeting about the process and then work together with those teachers who are interested in pursuing National Board Certification.  Currently, we have 12 teachers in a cohort that began in the Fall of 2015, plus four renewal candidates who are already certified but seeking renewal after 10 years. We recently started a second cohort of 14 teachers who will officially begin their NBCT journey in August.”