Six BPS teachers earn National Board Certification

Six Boston Public Schools educators recently were among only 12 teachers statewide to become National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT). National Board Certification is considered the highest credential in the teaching profession. A teacher-driven, voluntary process established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. As part of the process, teachers build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videotapes and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. Additionally, teachers are assessed on their knowledge of the subjects they teach.

Thirty-nine Boston Public Schools teachers have achieved National Board Certification to date, and BPS encourages teachers to consider becoming candidates. The Massachusetts Department of Education partially subsidizes the registration fees for teachers. Through its Center for Leadership Development, BPS works with the Boston Teachers Union to provide incentives and support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification, including reimbursement for registration fees, workshops, and support groups.

Pictured here is Timothy Scott, an Exceptional Needs Specialist in English at the McKinley Preparatory High School. The other teachers honored: Berta Rosa Berriz, Ed.D., Sumner Elementary School; Ronda Goodale, McKinley Preparatory High School; Stephanie Lynn Kitz and Kevin Qazilbash, both from the Edwards Middle School; and Dana Romanczyk, Carter Development Center.