Nine Boston Public Schools teachers earn National Board Certification

BOSTON - Nine* Boston Public Schools (BPS) educators recently achieved certification and three others received recertification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).  They were among 30 teachers statewide and 8,900 teachers nation-wide to become National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) in 2009. (A list of the 2009 BPS teachers who earned National Board Certification is below).

National Board Certification is the highest credential in the teaching profession. A teacher-driven, voluntary process established by NBPTS, certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. 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.  

“Strengthening teaching and school leadership is a key strategy to help us reach the academic goals of MCAS proficiency for all students, closing access and achievement gaps, and graduating all students from high school prepared for college and career success,” said Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. “We congratulate these teachers for investing so much time and effort to improve their craft and enhance their skills, and we know that their students, school communities, and the district will benefit from their learning.”

Earning National Board Certification has been linked to improved outcomes for students. In a congressionally mandated report, the National Research Council (NRC) confirmed that National Board Certified Teachers advance student achievement and learning, stay in the classroom longer, support new and struggling teachers, and assume other school-based leadership roles.

More than 50 BPS teachers have achieved National Board Certification to date, and the district encourages teachers to consider becoming candidates. The Massachusetts Department of Education partially subsidizes the registration fees for teachers. Through its Department of Teacher Development and Advancement, 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. BPS teachers can also participate in the Take One! program, which allows them to complete one portfolio entry, based on the National Board standards, as a first step towards certification or as a stand-alone professional development activity.

For more information on National Board Certified Teachers, visit www.nbpts.org.

* Note: The original version of this press release omitted one of the teachers.

Boston Public Schools – 2009 National Board Certified Teachers

Brigid Byrne, Boston Latin Academy, History Teacher                                                    
National Board Certified Teacher, Adolescence & Young Adulthood/ Social Studies-History

Sarah Cooper, Ohrenberger Elementary School, 6th Grade Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist 

Christine Hall, Excel High School, Mathematics Teacher                                                              
National Board Certified Teacher, Adolescence & Young Adulthood/ Mathematics

Tore Kapstad, New Mission High School, History Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Adolescence & Young Adulthood/ Social Studies-History

Cindy Muenkel, Perkins Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist

Wai Chin Ng, Josiah Quincy Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist

Haven Ripley, Perkins Elementary School, Science Specialist
National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist

Laura Rosenfield, Brighton High School History Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Adolescence & Young Adulthood/ Social Studies- History

Erin Rua, Curtis Guild Elementary School, 3rd Grade Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist

NBCT Renewals in 2009

Suzy Drurey, O'Bryant School of Mathematics & Science, AP Chemistry Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Adolescence & Young Adulthood/ Science

Margaret Hoyt Rustrian, Media Communications Technology High School, TV Production Teacher
National Board Certified Teacher, Adolescence & Young Adulthood/ English Language Arts

Jean Larrabee, Charles Sumner Elementary School, Teacher 
National Board Certified Elementary Teacher, Early Childhood Generalist