JKL Bahweting School in Sault Ste. Marie is planning a Wednesday reception to honor three teachers who have earned certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
The teachers — Tan-A Hoffman, Susan Solomon and Amy Klco — will participate in a pinning ceremony in the school’s cafeteria at 3 p.m., which will be led by NBPTS representative Michelle Accardi. A news release states “National Board Certified teachers are recognized for meeting the highest standards in the profession.”
“It’s kind of similar to earning a doctorate, only in teaching,” said JKL Bahweting Principal Theresa Kallstrom.
The three teachers are the first JKL staff members to earn NBPTS certification, while 22 others are still working towards it. That represents about half of the school’s staff. The opportunity to work with the organization arose through the Bureau of Indian Education, which announced in early 2015 it was partnering with NBPTS “to provide professional development, support, and mentoring for teachers in all BIE-funded schools that want to pursue National Board Certification.”
Kallstrom said the process includes rigorous training in a specialized area, such as math, English language arts, science or social studies.
The teachers must do research in that area and record themselves teaching so they and their peers can critique their style. They must eventually complete four components: content knowledge, differentiation in instruction, teaching practice and learning, and being an effective and reflective practitioner.
The news release says the BIE has recognized the potential value of NBPTS certification for Native American students, teachers and schools. It adds, “For our Native American students, research shows that (National Board Certified) educators have a greater impact on student learning and achievement than non-certified teachers, with their students out-performing their peers in other classrooms.”
Kallstrom said the school is very proud of Hoffman, Solomon and Klco, and another group of teachers could be ready for their certification within the next year.