Dist. 53 teachers gain national certification

Two Butler Elementary District 53 teachers recently were named National Board Certified Teachers. First-grade teacher Renee Tomita and junior high science teacher Kim Krupicka were honored by the school board for their accomplishment.

Certification is the gold standard for teaching excellence and was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

"It is one of the most prestigious honors for teachers," Superintendent Heidi Wennstrom said. "It is also an assurance to parents, students and the community that teachers have met the profession's highest standards. It not only strengthens the teaching profession, but it also helps our students be successful and achieve at higher academic levels."

She added that the process is difficult and commended both teachers for their hard work.

Both teachers said the process challenged them to hone their craft and bring instruction to the next level.

Teachers earning National Board Certification must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through an extensive, yearlong series of performance-based assessments. The teachers spend time examining and reflecting on all aspects of their teaching methods and classroom management.

Both teachers created and videotaped lessons, conducted research and analyzed their students' performance, and created a plan to address and support their students.

Tomita said it helped her reflect and challenge her teaching. With what she learned during the process, "I know I am on the cutting edge of best practice in education. Each day I strive to meet the needs of all of my students in the most innovative ways possible," she said.

Krupicka, who earned a renewal of her certification, said she spent close to 200 hours researching, writing, planning and preparing the report.

"The process has taught me more about the art and practice of teaching and learning than any other aspect of my educational training," she said. "It requires teachers to reflect on what they do and prove that what they do positively impacts students' learning."

They join about 82,000 teachers throughout the country who have achieved this mark of excellence. It is given by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.