Thirteen KISD teachers were selected for the next National Board Cohort to start their work in July toward earning a National Board Certification.

National Board Certification is a voluntary advanced professional certification for PreK-12 educators that identifies teaching expertise through a performance-based, peer-reviewed assessment. The certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It’s the highest professional certification a teacher may obtain in K-12 education.

The teachers selected are:

• Kim Taylor, IES
• Bonnie McLaughlin, KHS
• Afton Koonce, CES
• Tanya Snook, KCAL
• Paige Davis, FHMS
• Kat Metcalf, KHS
• Crystal Kersten, IES
• Brittany Martz, BWE
• Konni Young, IES
• Karla Smith, BCI
• Stacy Martin, KCAL
• Sarah McDavid, ISMS
• Heather Heil, BES

Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines from Pre-K through 12th grade.

The certification process requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with Five Core Propositions. They must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.

Earning the certification can take up to four years. Candidates must complete four components – 1. Content Knowledge, 2. Differentiation in Instruction, 3. Teaching Practice and Learning Environment and 4. Effective and Reflective Practitioner. 

KISD’s current Year Two Cohort recently finished and submitted their last two components on May 17, 2023, and will find out if they are National Board Certified in December.

Year Two Cohort teachers are:

• Jeannette Brauchle, HES
• Meagan McDaniel, HES
• Donna McDaniel KHS
• La'Toya Haley Haynes, HES
• Jenelle Clement, HES
• Kim Newton, ELCN
• Pauli Young, KHS

“I'm so proud of the work that they have done this year,” said Valerie Minor, KISD Coordinator of Professional Learning and Leadership. 

KISD’s current Year One Cohort just submitted their Component 2 portfolios and will take their Component 1 knowledge test the first two weeks of June. They will embark on Components 3 and 4 starting in July.

Year One Cohort teachers are:

• Brian Traughber, KCAL
• Dana Pfaff, TCHS
• Mary Ann Leasman, KMS
• Heather Baldwin, NRES
• Amanda Smith, KCAL
• Jennifer Mailloux, ERE
• Thomas Thompson, FRHS
• Heather Picciuti, ERES
• Patrick Adams, ELCS

“Wish them luck,” Minor said. “I'm so proud of all of the work they have done and am honored to learn alongside them on this journey.”