Teachers earn prestigious National Board Certification
Six outstanding teachers in Gaston County Schools were recognized on Tuesday , March 28 during the National Board Certified Teachers Reception .
The teachers are part of an elite group of educators who have earned National Board Certification , which is the highest standard for the teaching profession . The certification is made available through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards ( NBPTS ).
National Board Certified Teacher Reception Teachers earning National Board Certification must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through an extensive , yearlong series of performance-based assessments . The teachers spend time examining and reflecting on all aspects of their teaching methods and classroom management . Going through the National Board Certification process is one of the most difficult things a teacher can do .
Superintendent of Schools W . Jeffrey Booker stated , “ We are extremely proud of our National Board Certified Teachers , and we would like to congratulate each one of them on achieving this milestone in their professional career .”
Booker continued , “ National Board Certification is an assurance to parents , students , and the community that the teachers being honored have met the profession ’ s highest standards for accomplished practice . National Board Certified Teachers not only strengthen the teaching profession , but they also help our students to be successful and achieve at higher academic levels .”
In Gaston County , more than 360 teachers have met the rigorous standards and achieved National Board Certification since the program began in 1996 .
The following teachers achieved National Board Certification for 2016- 2017 :
• SUSAN BRITTAIN – Catawba Heights Elementary School
Susan Brittain teaches first grade and has been a teacher for 19 years . She obtained a bachelor ’ s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte , and her National Board Certification is for Early Childhood / Generalist .
About her experience as a teacher , Brittain said : “ I am a teacher because I want to have a positive influence on my community and its future by helping to educate our children . As a first grade teacher , I get to enjoy watching the students grow on so many levels from non-readers to readers . I also enjoy watching their math conversations improve throughout the year as they learn and grow into thinkers .”
• JESSICA HARRIS – Highland School of Technology
Jessica Harris teaches science at the Highland School of Technology and has been a teacher for nine years . She has bachelor ’ s degrees in biology and elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte , a master ’ s in science education from East Carolina University , and is pursuing a doctorate degree in curriculum : teaching , leading , and learning
from Northeastern University . Her National Board Certification is for Science / Adolescent and Young Adulthood .
About her experience as a teacher , Harris said : “ I am a teacher to inspire academic confidence and creativity in my students .”
• MATTHEW HIPPS – Ashbrook High School
Matthew Hipps teaches Earth Science and Advanced Placement Chemistry at Ashbrook High School and has been a teacher for seven years . He has a bachelor ’ s degree in earth science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte , and a master ’ s in middle and secondary education also from UNC-Charlotte . His National Board Certification is for Science / Adolescent and Young Adulthood .
About his experience as a teacher , Hipps said : “ I am a teacher because I want to pass on my love of science to others and have a positive impact on the lives of my students by helping them reach their full potential .”
• ELIZABETH LEONARD – North Gaston High School Elizabeth Leonard teaches Chemistry at North Gaston High School and has been a teacher for eight years . She has a bachelor ’ s degree in computer graphics from Lenoir-Rhyne College , a master ’ s in interdisciplinary science from Mississippi State University , and a graduate certificate in school leadership from Appalachian State University . Her National Board Certification is for Science / Adolescent and Young Adulthood .
About her experience as a teacher , Leonard said : “ I enjoy the daily challenges of meeting the diverse learning needs of my students . I also find joy in instilling a curiosity for science among the students I teach .”
• KRISTY NEWTON – Brookside Elementary School
Kristy Newton teaches second grade at Brookside Elementary School and has been a teacher for 11 years . She has a bachelor ’ s degree in early childhood education from Mount Union College in Ohio and a master ’ s degree in best practices from National University . Her National Board Certification is for Literacy : Reading-Language Arts / Early and Middle Childhood .
About her experience as a teacher , Newton said : “ I love being a teacher because I know that all children can learn , and I have the wonderful job of discovering the way they learn and helping them reach their goals . There is nothing better than seeing children grow themselves as individuals and as learners .”
• DARA PRESNELL – Brookside Elementary School
Dara Presnell teaches second grade at Brookside Elementary School and has been a teacher for 16 years . She has a bachelor ’ s degree and a master ’ s degree from the University of Tennessee . Her National Board Certification is for Literacy : Reading-Language Arts / Early and Middle Childhood .
About her experience as a teacher , Presnell said : “ I am a teacher because I love that I can share new and exciting things with my students every day to help them grow as learners .”
6 • May / June • Parent Teacher Magazine