HAGERSTOWN, MD News (12/22/2023) – The Washington County Board of Education recently recognized the achievements of 51 teachers who successfully completed the process to earn National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. This group comprises 48 teachers who secured National Board Certification for the first time this year and three teachers who received Maintenance of Certification.
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The certification process is a voluntary assessment program designed to foster the development, recognition, and retention of accomplished teachers. Candidates undergo a rigorous process that involves presenting standards-based evidence of accomplished teaching practice across four components: content knowledge, differentiation in instruction, teaching practice and learning environment, and effective and reflective practitioner.
Superintendent David Sovine of Washington County Public Schools emphasized the significance of quality educators, stating, “Good teachers are the heart of a quality school system, and Washington County Public Schools is fortunate to employ outstanding teachers, including each of our National Board Certified teachers.” Sovine commended the commitment demonstrated by these educators, noting that their achievements reflect a dedication to personal and professional growth, as well as a focus on the well-being of the students they serve daily.
The list of newly certified teachers includes professionals from various schools within the district:
New National Board Certified Teachers:
- Elspeth Allen, Williamsport High School
- Hannah Allen, Northern Middle School
- Sarah Anderson, Clear Spring Elementary
- Christopher Baran, Boonsboro High School
- Cody Bard, Western Heights Middle School
- Linzey Billy, South Hagerstown High School
- Lauren Bond, Williamsport High School
- Alyson Carver, Smithsburg Elementary School
- RaeAnn Coulter, Old Forge Elementary School
- Megan Crawford, Northern Middle School
- Andrew Dinterman, Salem Avenue Elementary School
- Uriel Galván, North Hagerstown High School
- Melanie Goldsborough-Hodge, North Hagerstown High School
- Kelsey Grunberg, Pangborn Elementary School
- Amy Hilderbrand, Paramount Elementary School
- Jordyn Himes, Boonsboro Elementary School
- Ashley Hobbs, Old Forge Elementary School
- Courtney Kaczmark, Emma K. Doub Elementary School
- Kimberly Keefer, Maugansville Elementary School
- Caitlin Keller, Boonsboro Middle School
- Justine Keltz, South Hagerstown High School
- Naomi Lopez, Northern Middle School
- Allison Lougheed, Fountain Rock Elementary School
- Katie Lowe, Williamsport High School
- Angela Maatman, Smithsburg High School
- Valerie Matan, Bester Elementary School
- Carisa Mattu, North Hagerstown High School
- Lauren Merroth, South Hagerstown High School
- Amy Metz, Northern Middle School
- Brianne Mundey, Pangborn Elementary School
- Kathryn Pagan, Northern Middle School
- Nicole Perehinic, Pangborn Elementary School
- Stacey Rice, Maugansville Elementary School
- Matthew Rinehart, Northern Middle School
- Sarah Ritchick, Northern Middle School
- Tara Runkles, Salem Avenue Elementary School
- Katie Spielman, Maugansville Elementary School
- Ashley Stotelmyer, Sharpsburg Elementary School
- Shawna Sunday, Western Heights Middle School
- Jennifer Swam, Maugansville Elementary School
- Spencer Taylor, Rockland Woods Elementary School
- Adrienne Tew, Bester Elementary School
- Katherine Truesdale, E. Russell Hicks Middle School
- Allison Wadding, Boonsboro High School
- Betsy Warner, Western Heights Middle School
- Jill Waters, Sharpsburg Elementary School
- Ralph Weaver, North Hagerstown High School
- Emily Willingham, Maugansville Elementary School
National Board Certified Teachers Earning Maintenance of Certification:
- Erica Hartley, Eastern Elementary School
- Tiffany Miles, Bester Elementary School
- Danielle Wantz, Rockland Woods Elementary School
National Board Certification goes beyond the basic requirements set by state licensing systems, as certified teachers demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in teaching. The program plays a crucial role in recognizing and supporting accomplished educators, contributing to the overall enhancement of the education system.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors.