CCS teachers earn national credentials

LENOIR, NC (December 9, 2016)…The Board of Education recognized Marc Demiter, English teacher at West Caldwell High School, for achieving certification awarded by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. He joins an esteemed group of 267 national board certified teachers who completed National Board Certification while serving in the Caldwell County Schools.

“We encourage continuous professional development in education and encourage our teachers to pursue advanced degrees and certifications, especially one as highly regarded as National Boards,” said Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone. “We are extremely proud of each teacher’s commitment to spend countless hours and several years in pursuing this prestigious certification that is valued and recognized throughout the United States.”

Teachers who earn certification must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a series of performance-based assessments, teaching portfolios, student work samples, videotapes and analyses of their classroom teaching and student learning.

The state continues to offer an attractive 12 percent salary increase for National Board Certified teachers, good for the 10-year life of the certification. However, since 2011, teachers became responsible for payment of the $2,500 assessment fee. Individuals pursuing National Board Certification have the option to participate in a low-interest loan program provided by the state to fund the expense of the certification process. The state provides three paid release days for candidates to work on their portfolios and prepare for the assessments.

National Board Certification renewal may begin as early as the eighth year of the original certification cycle. Candidates who successfully renew in North Carolina will continue to receive salary incentives.

Natalie Brittain, counselor at Sawmills Elementary School, will also be recognized by the School Board at the Jan. 9 meeting for completing her National Board Certification. Teachers throughout the district may be easily recognized as recipients of National Board Certification by the gold star that is proudly displayed on their classroom door.