Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Board of Education recently honored seven newly certified National Board teachers. This newest group of credentialed teachers brings the school district’s total number of National Certified teachers to 193.

In addition to the new Board Certified Teachers, five educators qualified for 10-year renewal of National Board Certified Teachers. Recently Mary Ulrich Wright, of Rocky Mount High School said the renewal process was just as a rewarding as achieving it for the first time.

“I think it reflects dedication to a desire to continue to learn and make my teaching career a constant growth experience,” Wright said. “I didn’t want to stagnate, but instead wanted to continue moving forward.”

National Board Certification is the highest credential in the teaching profession and the most rigorous performance-based assessment.

Achieving National Board Certification takes teachers and guidance counselors between one and three years to complete.

Educators awarded National Board Certified Teachers status have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of subject matter, teaching skills and a commitment to their profession. The assessments include portfolios, student work samples and videotapes.

Newly certified teacher Cle’Andria Smith-Boone, of Baskerville Elementary, expressed her excitement after having earned the certification.

“The experience was very rewarding. I was able to take an in-depth look at my teaching style and how I could improve on it to better help my students.” Smith-Boone said. “You learn so much about yourself, and about how you teach, and the strategies that you use to better improve learning for your students, as well as how you can challenge yourself.”

The names of the National Board Certified Teachers Class of 2012 have been added to the National Board Certified Teachers plaque at the entrance of the dstrict’s administrative offices.

Each National Board Certified Teacher also receives a personalized door name plate indicating their achievement of national board status and the year certification was awarded.

National Board Certified Teachers who renewed their certification received paperweights commemorating their achievement.

Frances Anderson of Bailey Elementary School was also among the educators recognized for obtaining her 10-year renewal, and shared her advice for other educators who may be considering pursuing their national boards.

“It’s provides a time where teachers can reflect upon their practices.” Anderson said. “It’s about growing through professional development, and focusing on developing as a teacher leader,”

North Carolina remains the national leader in the number of National Board Certified Teachers with 19,799. This year alone, North Carolina added 636 newly certified teachers. More than 20 percent of North Carolina’s public school teachers are National Board certified. Nationwide, North Carolina has nearly 20 percent of all National Board Certified Teachers.

Class of 2012 are Aletta Clark, Early College High School; Angie Dorovic, Winstead Avenue Elementary; Stefanie Thompson Goblet, Southern Nash High School; Paula Langley, Red Oak Middle School; Kimberly Sieracki, Edwards Middle School; Cle’Andria Smith-Boone Baskerville Elementary School; and Edwin Gerald Suitter II, Nash Central High School.

Those recognized for 10-year renewals include Hope Davis, Nash Central High School; Katherine McKeel, Nashville Elementary School; Mary Ulrich Wright, Rocky Mount High School; Sherri Wells, Spring Hope Elementary School; and Frances Anderson, Bailey Elementary School.