GBSD teachers earn and renew National Board Certifications
Teachers Samantha Ebert and Alisha Phillips demonstrate commitment to high standards, effective instruction
East Gresham Elementary School third-grade teacher Samantha Ebert recently earned her Middle Childhood Generalist Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Earning a certification demonstrates a desire to become an expert on their education level and connect with students most effectively.
“Going through the National Board Certification process has taught me to be a leader among my colleagues and to continuously bring our conversations back to the essential question, ‘how does this affect our students?’” said Ebert. “It has taught me to approach learning from multiple avenues and to not see teaching as black and white but rather a chance to try and learn alongside my students.”
Powell Valley Elementary teacher Alisha Phillips renewed her Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adult Certification. She teaches a K/1 blend at the school.
“Being board certified affects my students because it shows that I am a reflective teacher. I strive to do what is best for my students and teach them in a way that works for them,” said Phillips. “After each lesson, I think about what went well and what needs to change for the next lesson to meet the needs of my students.”
Earning National Board Certification demonstrates an educator’s commitment to the highest standards of professional educational development and empowers teachers to become leaders in their schools