At the January 13, 2010 Board Meeting, Fontana’s newest National Board Certified teachers, Sara Johangiry and Marie Belt of Dorothy Grant Elementary School, were honored.

As Miki McCabe Inbody, Director of Staff Development, explained, “Supporting accomplished teaching is one of the most important ways to improve our schools and increase student achievement. Nothing ensures a child’s future like a first class education. Research consistently shows that National Board Certified (NBC) teachers provide their students with quality learning. Like board certification in medicine or accounting, national certification is teachings highest credential.”

Becoming a NBC teacher is a rigorous process that takes one year to complete. It requires a lot of focus and intense reflection. Through videotaping their lessons, teachers analyze how and where to improve, as well as highlight the strengths to build upon. The candidates must also complete ten assessments, and each assessment includes four portfolio entries that feature teaching practice and six constructive response exercises that assess their content knowledge.

“After achieving National Board Certification, becoming a candidate to be a support provider to our newest ones is an excellent way to share your expertise with current candidates while continuing to grow as an educator,” continued Mrs. Inbody. “Carolyn Olsen from Grant Elementary School is one of those providers in our district. She became a NBC teacher in 2001.”

Interim Superintendent Oscar Dueñas emphasized, “Like all professions, the teaching profession, we need to continue learning. I wouldn’t go to a doctor that last studied in the 1950s and I know you wouldn't go to a lawyer that last learned anything in the 1970s, because they wouldn’t be able to represent you well. Your teaching education doesn’t just stop after you get your degree. You have to continue and it is hard work.” Mrs. Inbody agreed, “Along with FTA, we want to encourage our teachers along this path of professional development.”

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