Three Los Altos School District Teachers Earn
National Board Certification

Qualified and dedicated teachers are a primary reason that Los Altos School District (LASD) is among the top performing districts in the state.  To consistently improve teaching and learning in our classrooms, we invest heavily in professional development for our educational staff. Our support for professional learning opportunities allows our educators to participate and succeed in the rigorous programs that improve student success in the classroom.  

This month, three of our educators attained one of the most prestigious recognition in the field:  National Board Certification.  Santa Rita 6th grade teacher Natalie Cannon, Almond 1st grade teacher Samantha Nguyen and Shelby Regner an Oak Literacy Instructional Support Teacher worked tirelessly for this notable achievement.
 
National Board Certification develops and recognizes talented teachers.  More importantly, it improves student achievement by training an elite cadre of educators focused on educational outcomes and improvement.
 
“The National Board Certification is a voluntary professional development opportunity.  Teachers deeply reflect on their own practice and focus on each students’ learning,” said Erin Green, Director of Student and Staff Services at LASD.  

LASD encourages its teachers to embark on the one to three-year rigorous process of certification by paying for all support courses and exams, as well as providing release days for the additional time needed to build portfolios, prepare for exams and complete other components of the program.  As an added incentive, teachers who obtain their certification and maintain it receive a $5,000 annual stipend for the life of their certification.
 
“Decades of research shows that this analytical and self-reflective approach to teaching and learning improves student success.  We’re seeing that in our classrooms, which is why we support our teachers through their certification process,” Green explained.  

“Education is a living and changing experience with new students every year.  Teachers benefit from slowing down their routines and strategies to solidify what is working well and to introduce new research-based practices,” said Shelby Regner.  “Allowing myself to be supported by my community and working with others to impact our students’ learning has been the greatest reward in the process.”

For more information on National Board Certification, please visit https://www.nbpts.org.