HHH’s National Board Certified Teachers were asked to share their certification experience and the impact the experience had in their classrooms. As there are several HHH members who are currently going through the certification process themselves or who are contemplating participating in the future, teachers also shared some advice for those members.
The HHHTA is proud to share these stories with the HHH Community!
1. What prompted you to go through the process to become a NBCT?
I wanted to become Nationally Certified to advance myself on a professional level. My goal as a teacher is to provide my students with the best educational services I can, so I always continue learning and developing my pedagogy.
2. How did the certification process impact your classroom (ie: increase in parental involvement, improved teaching techniques, becoming more reflective)?
The certification process, as a whole, makes you reflect about every aspect of yourself as a teacher. My parent and colleague involvement was increased and refined, there was more thought given to the connection between assessments and lessons, and the end product of student learning was emphasized as paramount.
3. If you could give one piece of advice to someone going through the certification process, what would it be?
Since a sizable amount of your score is based on your written statements, I suggest to present yourself as a proactive educator. Explain the background of your students and how that connects to your actions in the classroom, demonstrate how your lessons impact on them, or honestly state what you could have improved and how you are committed to their learning at all costs.