Winterhaven – Four teachers in the San Pasqual Valley Unified School District have recently been recognized for their laudable distinction of achieving the prestigious National Board Certification for teachers.  There are four teachers in the relatively small K-12 district on the far eastern side of Imperial County, who have earned National Board Certification, they are: Bonnie Pappin, 4th grade; Shelley Turner, 1st grade  (both in photo with certificate); Bertha Rodriguez, 2nd grade; and Amanda Beck, 2nd grade.  

The National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

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 the 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.

For more information go to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards at:  http://www.nbpts.org/national-board-certification/