This year, twelve teachers in the Sumner School District 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 96 teachers have earned certification through this rigorous program; this number reflects approximately 25% of our teaching staff.

Congratulations to the newest board certified teachers in the Sumner School District:

Jenifer Benedetti, Sumner High School;

Heather Hanewall de Rios, Sumner High School;

Sarah June Helm, Donald Eismann Elementary;

Tiara Horan, Lakeridge Middle School;

Sara Jackson, Sumner Middle School;

Joleen LaMay, Sumner High School;

Mari Lysne, Lakeridge Middle School;

Savannah Milford, Bonney Lake Elementary;

Carly Rae Nelson, Crestwood Elementary;

Teri Shimoda, Mountain View Middle School;

Sian Sleight, Sumner Middle School;

and Anne Wasson, Mountain View Middle School.

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 Sumner School District provides $1,000 for candidates to use for fee support. The district offers in-district facilitation groups for first time and advanced candidates. Sumner also registers teachers to attend WEA’s Jump Start orientation program.

The 2014 National Board Certified Teachers will be recognized by the School Board and Superintendent Sara Johnson at the District Winter Social, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., on December 17, 2014, 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.