Dec. 20 — Sumner teachers receive national certification

Roxanne Cooke / of the Herald

Three teachers in the Sumner School District have earned National Board Certification, the only nationwide credential that offers a set of standards for teaching.

Jaclyn Shope of Emerald Hills Elementary, Wendi Page of Sumner Middle School and Alison Norbeck of Crestwood Elementary were recognized for their accomplishments last week during a reception in the Sumner School District Central Office.

“It’s a big relief,” Shope said. “It’s nice to be done. It’s exciting.”

Shope, who is currently on maternity leave, taught third grade when she applied for certification.

To be awarded National Board Certification, teachers must submit a portfolio of work that documents their accomplishments and shows they have a well-rounded background, said Kellie Fremont, who received the honor in 2003. Educators who apply must also take a three-hour assessment with case-specific questions regarding hypothetical situations with students.

The amount of work required in applying takes anywhere from 200-400 hours, said Erin LaVerdiere, director of professional development. Educators must have worked a minimum of three years before applying, and pay a $2,500 application fee.

With the accomplishment, teachers earn a stipend, renew their Washington credential and receive graduate credits that can be applied to advanced degrees.

Applying for the credential means going the extra mile, said Sumner School Board member Mike Pavlik.

“It’s pretty impressive,” Pavlik said. “It takes very special people to be a teacher. They take it to heart — it’s more than just teaching.”

Fremont said it positively affects other teachers and their teaching. She rated it as the number one thing she’s done to become a better teacher.

The teachers who have received the honor are role models for others to emulate, said Superintendent Gil Mendoza.

“These are people who cause change,” Mendoza said.

Page also spoke during the informal ceremony, expressing her appreciation.

“I would not have wanted to do it in another district,” she said.

A total of 37 educators in the Sumner School District have earned national board certification, LaVerdiere said. Six received the honor last year and 12 are working toward National Board Certification for next year.