Five Owensboro Public Schools educators recently earned the designation of National Board Certified Teachers, while two others renewed their certifications.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an organization dedicated to improving schools and student learning by strengthening the quality of those who teach. The board sponsors a national certification process that measures a teacher’s practices against high standards of excellence. This involves an extensive series of performance based assessments that includes teaching portfolios, student work samples, videotapes, and a thorough analysis of the candidates’ classroom teaching and student learning. Teachers also complete a series of written exercises that explore the depth of their subject-matter knowledge as well as their understanding of how best to teach these subjects to their students.
Those receiving their first certification are:
- Charlotte Buskill – Newton Parrish Elementary
“When I began my teaching career at Newton Parrish I was blessed to be surrounded by countless educators whose expertise and influence encouraged me to reflect on my teaching abilities from day one. Even now in my 7th year teaching the biggest impact on my classroom instruction is those around me. The teachers here are continuously focusing on strengthening their practices and pursuing the best strategies that will match our student population. After completing my master’s degree, the NPE teachers who had previously obtained their National Boards encouraged me to go to the next step in my personal teaching development and pursue my own National Boards Certification. The process was rigorous and demanded that I not only rely on my own reflection but collaborate even further with my colleagues. I know the skills embedded in the NB process are essential processes that I will continue to use throughout my career to hold myself accountable in reflecting and adjusting my practices as our society and student population grow. I look forward to influencing other teachers in my building, just like I was influenced, to continue to be reflective practitioners.” - Sarah Howard – Newton Parrish Elementary
“I always knew that I would eventually pursue my National Board Certification but taking on the additional workload seemed somewhat intimidating. However; my mindset changed when I realized the intense challenges that we would be facing after the pandemic. Teachers are ‘fixers’ and ‘helpers’ by nature and I wanted to be certain that I was giving each of my students the ‘BEST’ educational experience possible. The National Board process provided a framework for myself and several of my colleagues to do that. I’ve been blessed to work in a place where high expectations are the norm for ourselves and our students. The success of our cohort is just another example of teachers stepping up to the plate for our kids when it mattered most.” - Lindsey Roberts – Sutton Elementary
“I decided to embark on the journey to National Board Certification along with several other colleagues. While I knew the process would be rigorous, I also recognized the positive impact it would have on my teaching and, therefore, my students’ learning. This proved to be true as I became more knowledgeable of content, intentional with planning, and reflective of my own practice. I am thankful for the lasting benefits this will have on both my current and future students.” - Stacy Saltsman – Newton Parrish Elementary
“I chose to pursue National Board certification to obtain my Rank 1. I knew the process would be challenging but I began the journey with an amazing group of colleagues and friends, and we did it! This process allowed me to challenge myself to become a more effective teacher and positively impact student learning. It has been the most productive professional development because I learned from my own students in my classroom. The process of analyzing and reflecting on my daily practice helped me focus on my areas of strengths and areas of improvement. I was able to immediately adjust my practice based on my own reflections. The journey has taught me to be more reflective of my teaching practices which makes me more effective and impactful as a teacher.” - Kayla Tichenor – Newton Parrish Elementary
“I have wanted to be a National Board Certified Teacher since I was in college. My professor, Dr. Angie Gunter, NBCT, told me about the certification and I was immediately intrigued. Brescia was all about becoming a life-long learner as an educator and I knew that this was just that. I did start the certification process during the pandemic, which was the most challenging part of my career. I am happy to say that I preserved through the challenge and can now call myself a National Board Certified Teacher!”
OPS teachers earning recertification are:
- Aaron Aud – Owensboro High School
- Jennifer Busse – Owensboro High School
For more information about National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and KY NBCT guidelines for certification, visit nbpts.org/national-board-certification and education.ky.gov/teachers/Pages/National-Board-Certification.aspx.
