Every year, the Sumner School District recognizes and honors teachers who have earned national board certification, a nationally accepted sign of quality in the teaching profession.

This certification program offers a nationwide standard for evaluating and encouraging quality teaching. Districtwide nearly 100 teachers have earned certification through this rigorous program; reflecting approximately 25% of our teaching staff.

Like Board certification in professions such as medicine, National Board Certification is the highest mark of accomplishment in teaching. National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential.

As part of this process, teachers must analyze their teaching context and students’ needs, submit videos of their teaching, and provide student work samples that demonstrate growth and achievement.

The district believes in the National Board process and in supporting National Board candidates. As such, a district facilitator and small facilitation support group is offered for candidates.

Sumner also registers teachers to attend WEA’s Jump Start orientation program and Home Stretch seminar. In addition, the Sumner School District provides $475 for candidates to use for fee support.

National Board Certified Teachers and District Facilitators will be recognized by the School Board and Superintendent, Dr. Sara Johnson, at the District Winter Social, 5:30-6:30 p.m., on December 16, 2015, at the Central Administration Office in downtown Sumner.

More information on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards can be found at www.nbpts.org.