Five Richland School District teachers have earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), the highest credential in the teaching profession. NBPTS announced this week that the following teachers had passed the rigorous self-evaluation process:

Kim Arthur, Lewis & Clark Elementary School

Carri Rose, Lewis & Clark Elementary School

Cathy Kuwamoto, Lewis & Clark Elementary School

Kevin Swisher, Hanford High School

Kitty Wegener, Tapteal Elementary School

“My journey to certification was full of inspiring moments where I learned about myself and my teaching,” said Wegener.  “It was filled with challenges and triumphs that helped me become a more effective teacher.  I have become more focused and aware of my teaching practices and how they impact student learning.” 

NBPTS certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that takes at least one year to complete and measures what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The process requires teachers to demonstrate how their activities improve student achievement.

"These teachers have demonstrated a commitment to taking their teaching practice and the teaching profession to a different level," said Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education.

The certification process requires teachers to submit a portfolio which is assessed by a national panel of peers. The portfolio includes: student work samples to show the teacher's impact on student learninga videotape of actual classroom teaching written demonstrations of a teacher's knowledge of a subject area, classroom practices and curriculum design.

Teachers also must also pass a written test.

(More information is at: www.nbpts.org)