Surry Community College offers a class for teachers beginning the process of seeking National Board Certification to let them know what to expect from the process.
Dr. Annette Ayers is leading the four-day class through the Corporate and Continuing Education department. Eight teachers from Surry and Yadkin counties signed up for the class which took place July 15, 16, 20 and 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The class was designed for teachers who are beginning the process and are looking for a leg up. The class, which is called “Tips for Teachers,” provides an introduction to the program focusing on the four portfolio entries and the six assessment center entries as well as detailed instructions for each area.
“With this class, they will be ready to hit the ground running next week,” said Ayers. “They are comparing themselves to the national standards recognized in every state. It’s an organized support system.”
The teachers taking the class felt that it was helpful and will allow them to be more prepared than those not taking the course.
“I’m taking it because I want to be prepared for the National Board process,” said Dana James, a teacher with Yadkin County Schools. “This class is helping us to know it’s doable.”
“The class has been very, very useful. Dr. Ayers has given us handouts we can take home and refer to as we’re going through the process,” said Jeannine Lundy, a teacher with Yadkin County Schools. “I could not even imagine attempting to do that without this class. It’s a lot of getting ahead tips.”
The process towards achieving National Board Certification is a demanding one that asks candidates to evaluate their teaching practices through performance-based assessments.
“It’s rigorous with high standards attached,” said James.
“It’s more than what we initially thought it would be,” added Nancy Allred, a teacher with Yadkin County Schools.
Although the process is demanding, the teachers feel that it is an important goal for them to work towards.
“It is important for us as teachers to reach for lofty goals. We need to present an image of this profession as one of a profession, not just a job. We need to change that image,” said Joel Rose, a teacher with Surry County Schools.
“This process makes you step back and evaluate your own teaching. It makes you better people,” said Samantha Shore, a teacher with Yadkin County Schools.
“One of the better examples is like a lawyer sitting for the bar or a doctor sitting for the state medical exam. It is a symbol that you are a true professional in what you do and you’ve reached the highest standards,” said Terry Collins, a teacher with Surry County Schools.
This same group of teachers hopes that the college will be able to offer a continuation class in November dealing with writing for the National Board Certification.
“We want that very much,” said Lundy.
The Corporate and Continuing Education department will offer another session of the “National Board Certification: Tips for Teachers” course on Mondays and Tuesdays from Nov. 2-24. Anyone interested in the class should contact Surry Community College to preregister.
Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.
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