Port Angeles and Sequim teachers have received notification of certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
In Port Angeles, James Ray, who teaches elementary strings and directs the Stevens Middle School orchestras, was newly certified in November, while John Henry’s certification was renewed in December.
Henry teaches science at Port Angeles High School.
In Sequim, Shannon Green, Greywolf Elementary third-grade teacher, was newly certified this year, while Marcia Garrett, Sequim Middle School sixth- and eighth-grade science teacher, was recertified.
National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential, said Patsene Dashiell, Sequim School District coordinator.
“Created by teachers for teachers, it is the profession’s mark for accomplished teaching,” Dashiell said.
Sequim School District currently has 25 teachers on staff with national board certification status.
Port Angeles has 13.
“We are extremely proud of James’ and John’s accomplishment,” said Marc Jackson, superintendent of Port Angeles School District.
“Both have shown incredible dedication and have spent countless hours in preparation for the certification process.”
Said Sequim Superintendent Gary Neal: “I applaud the teachers who have devoted their time, energy and resources to improve upon their practice.
“NBCT inspires professionals to undergo a deep reflection of their practice with the ultimate goal of improving student success.”
In Sequim, teachers certified by the national board also include Brian Berg, Sheri Burke, Christy Ditlefsen, Matt Duchow, Laura Gould, Stephanie Grotzke Nash, Jim Heintz, Charles Kleinberg, Kimberly Knudson, Mark Knudson, Ione Marcy, Stuart Marcy, Brad Moore, Renee Mullikin, Shannon Paselk, Isaac Rapelje, Linsay Rapelje, Chelsea Reichner, Jake Reichner, Rebecca Stanton, Joe Sullivan, Jennifer Van DeWege and Jorn Van DeWeghe.
In Port Angeles, certified teachers also include Jody Adams, Coco Carlson, Laurie Day, Deborah Erickson, Maria Kays, Suzanne Keegan, Nancy McHenry, William Prorok, Sarah Schaefermeyer, Mark Schmidt and Krista Winn.
The state Legislature passed a bill in 2007 that awards a $5,000 bonus to each national board-certified teacher, said Tina Smith-O’Hara of the Port Angeles School District.
Port Angeles teachers
Henry began his tenure in the Port Angeles School District as a teacher in fall 1992.
He received a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences in 1988 from the University of Washington and a master’s in educational technology from City University in 1997.
His original certification was achieved in December 2006. His current certification applies until December 13, 2026.
Ray began his tenure in the Port Angeles School District as a teacher in fall 2010.
He received a bachelor’s degree in music education in 2007 from Central Washington University and a master’s in teaching in 2009 from Western Oregon University.
His national board certification is in music/early adolescence through adulthood and is granted until November 7, 2025.
Sequim teachers
Sequim’s Garrett received her initial national board certification in 2006.
She said she chose to work for recertification because “when I was first certified, I realized so much more was possible in my teaching than I had previously believed.
“I made a conscious choice to keep applying the teaching standards to my own teaching practice.
“I also chose to become more involved in the professional development of other teachers, hoping they would become more excited about high-quality teaching.”
Garrett served two years as the district science instruction coordinator in Shoreline School District and for seven years has served for seven years as a support facilitator for candidates for certification.
“I am always inspired to spend time with amazing teachers,” she said.
“I learn much about how to increase student learning from their work.”
Green said that after teaching for seven years, she realized that she wanted to advance the quality of her teaching and student learning.
“National Boards has helped me grow stronger in leadership and collaboration with my community and district.”
The process is being revised to incorporate the latest research on best practices in teaching, said Smith-O’Hara and Dashiell said, adding that the changes are being implemented over a three-year period.
The first group to certify under the new system will be in December 2017.
329 in state
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction said 329 Washington teachers achieved certification this year.
Washington ranks fourth nationwide in the total number of board-certified teachers, the office said.
Peggy Brookins, National Board Certified teacher and president and CEO of National Board, said that nationwide, 1,826 teachers earned certification and 2,903 renewed it.
Certification consists of four components: written assessment of content knowledge, reflection on student work samples, video and analysis of teaching practice, and documented impact and accomplishments as a teaching professional.
To learn more about NBPTS and awards, visit www.nbpts.org.
