More Teachers Nationally Certified

Eleven more teachers in the Long Beach Unified School District have earned the highest professional distinction in teaching, National Board Certification.  Another nine teachers here renewed their national certification, bringing the total number of nationally certified teachers in the district to 129.

The rigorous certification is a year-long process that involves writing extensive portfolios, videotaping classroom instruction and participating in a day of written exercises.  The school district supports teachers who are interested in applying for the certification by offering pre-candidacy and candidacy support programs throughout the application process. 

Newly certified teachers are Stephanie Ewing-Warner, Poly; Christine Godfrey, Cabrillo; Linda Mank, Whittier; Jamie Lynn Nichols, Newcomb; Lindsay Penney, Lakewood; Emyr Rich, Signal Hill; Jamaica Ross, Signal Hill; Danielle Sawyer, Poly; Katie Sotiropoulos-Kolsky, Burbank; Laura Stringer, Tincher; and Alan Van Divort, Jordan.

National Board Certification is valid for ten years.  Renewing their certification this year were Michelle Aberle, Poly;  Sarah Adams, Millikan; Kellee King, Gant; Laura Kusaba, Monroe; Keith Miller, Lakewood; Karen Rodgers, Naples; Susan Starbuck, Poly; Patricia Tilton, Gompers; and Joan Van Blom, physical education curriculum leader.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards provides the certification.  NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization.  It was formed in 1987 to advance the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching, creating a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts.

Learn more about National Board Certification.