Parent Teacher Magazine Gaston County School May/June 2015 | Page 6

Teachers earn prestigious National Board Certification
Fourteen teachers earn prestigious National Board Certification for 2014-2015
Fourteen Gaston County Schools teachers
have joined an elite group of educators by
earning National Board Certification, the highest
standard for the teaching profession. The newly
certified teachers were recognized during a
reception on March 4 at the Schiele Museum in
Gastonia.
The 14 teachers from Gaston County were
among only 527 educators in North Carolina to
earn certification this year from the National
Board for Professional Teaching Standards
(NBPTS).
“Going through the National Board
Certification process is one of the most difficult
things a teacher can do,” said Superintendent
of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker. “National Board
Certification is an assurance to parents, students,
and the community that the teachers being
honored have met the profession’s highest
standards for accomplished practice. National
Board Certified Teachers not only strengthen
the teaching profession, but they also help our
students to be successful and achieve at higher academic levels.”
Teachers earning National Board Certification must demonstrate their
knowledge and skills through an extensive, year-long series of performancebased assessments. The teachers spend time examining and reflecting on all
aspects of their teaching methods and classroom management.
In Gaston County, 362 teachers have meet the rigorous standards and
achieved National Board Certification since the program began in 1996.
Below is a quote from each of the National Board Certified Teachers:

an educator. My goal is to continue using the knowledge that I gained during
this process to challenge and inspire my students as well as other educators.”
n Emily Moore, second grade teacher, Robinson Elementary School.
“Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher is meeting a professional goal
of mine. The process has helped me reflect and improve what I do in my
classroom. Through self-assessment, peer review, and reflection, the process
has made me a better teacher.”

n Terri Cochrane, career development coordinator and Microsoft IT
Academy teacher, North Gaston High School. “I am honored to be chosen as a
National Board Certified Teacher. It was a trying, yet rewarding experience for
me. I learned a lot about myself as a teacher and about my students.”

n Jordan Paciocco, first grade teacher, Chapel Grove Elementary
School. “Being a National Board Certified Teacher has taught me to be a
more reflective and thoughtful educator. The certification process gave me an
opportunity to look at everything I do as a teacher and has helped me become
a more effective teacher.”

n Lynda Euchner, Microsoft IT Academy and personal finance ѕ