HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (February 13, 2023) – The most nationally respected professional certification available in K-12 education, National Board Certification is an optional intensive certification process with extremely high standards for teachers. This winter, Henderson County Public Schools celebrates 13 educators who have just earned the credential from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and 28 who recertified their credentials in 2022. Their accomplishments will be recognized at this evening’s Henderson County Board of Public Education meeting.
Mayra Granados, April Summey, Rebecca Martin, Nicole Conti, Jennifer Reed, Amber Buehler, Tara Hammond, Holly Brookshire, Sheri Todd, Lauren Matoian, Emilia Smith, Lindsey Bercume, and Allison Marek are 13 of the 486 teachers in North Carolina to have earned their certifications in 2022. Kristy Ontko, Holly McMurray, Margaret DeCorah, Jessica Houston, Annah Lord, Natalie Pierce, Amanda Parks, Margaret McDade, Bridget Grant, Heather Godfrey, Katie McCrary, Alison Thompson, Carly Allman, Lucy Joyce, Sarah Swanzy, Patricia Seward, Michael Pruett, Candace Young, Amy Ramsey, Robin Atwell, Stephanie Merrill, Richele Dunavent, Jodie Baker, Andrea Smith, Chad Neuburger, Kimberly Metcalf, Shari Edmisten, and Heather Denton are among HCPS’ distinguished educators maintaining their NBCT certification through the recertification process.
As a part of the initial certification process, new candidates build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videotapes, and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. The rigorous performance-based assessment typically takes one to three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers and counselors should know and be able to do.
To keep certification active, NBCTs must successfully complete a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) every five years. This 40-60 hour investment requires NBCTs to provide a written commentary describing Professional Growth Experiences in their careers that have significantly impacted student learning and involved collaboration, and illustrate the expectation that the educator has continued to grow professionally since certification.
“The time and commitment these educators have shown through the National Board process only enhances the instruction our students receive in the classroom,” said Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Shannon Marlowe.
“The National Board process is seen in Henderson County as valuable for growth as an educator, and is recognized for the accomplishment it truly is by our Board of Education and other district leaders. This is further evidenced by the opportunity we provide for candidates to work with former HCPS teacher Lynn Carter, who offers support in the National Board process from beginning to end in our district. Some of our own HCPS educators also provide additional feedback to teachers throughout the process, which I believe contributes to successful portfolios.”
Currently in HCPS, 168 teachers are National Board Certified.
With 23,858 teachers in the state with the certification, North Carolina leads the nation in having the most teachers with the credential, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Of the 2,814 teachers who earned national certification for the first time in the 2021-2022 school year, North Carolina topped the list with 486.
Joining their ranks this year are the following educators:
- Mayra Granados, an ESL Teacher at Hillandale Elementary School
- April Summey, an AIG Teacher at Hendersonville Elementary School
- Rebecca Martin, an Exceptional Children’s Teacher at Hillandale Elementary School
- Nicole Conti, a First Grade Teacher at Bruce Drysdale Elementary School
- Jennifer Reed, a Fourth Grade Teacher at Bruce Drysdale Elementary School
- Amber Buehler, an Eighth Grade Math Teacher at Apple Valley Middle
- Tara Hammond, a Fifth Grade Teacher at Hillandale Elementary School
- Holly Brookshire, a First Grade Teacher at Hillandale Elementary School
- Sheri Todd, an Exceptional Children’s Teacher at Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School
- Lauren Matoian, an ESL Teacher at Clear Creek Elementary School
- Emilia Smith, a Math Teacher at North Henderson High School
- Lindsey Bercume, a Physical Education Teacher at Hendersonville High School
- Allison Marek, an English Teacher at West Henderson High School
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