Chelsea teacher earns prestigious title of National Board Certified Teacher

Leah Pinciak, a fifth grade teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School in District 157-C, has earned the highest credential available to American educators by recently becoming a National Board Certified Teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS.)

National Board Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment of a teacher’s pedagogical skills and content knowledge. The certification takes one to three years to complete.
While state licensing systems set the basic requirements to teach in each state, National Board Certified Teachers have demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. NBPTS certification identifies qualified teachers as leaders in their field, much like the certifications earned by experts in law and medicine. Completion of NBPTS’s National Board Certification process signifies that the certificated teachers have developed and demonstrated the skills required of a true educational professional.

Mrs. Pinciak was recognized for her accomplishment at the District 157-C January 12 Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Dr. Maura J. Zinni congratulated Mrs. Pinciak, stating, “I am thrilled to recognize Leah and can tell you that the process to apply for this honor and get through the levels of scrutiny is unbelievable. This honor truly demonstrates best instructional practices that deem positive outcomes. I have observed Leah’s class and I am pleased to recognize her for going the extra mile.” Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Kristin Simpkins also praised Mrs. Pinciak, recalling the time a District mom stopped her in the parking lot to tell her that having Mrs. Pinciak as a teacher had changed her child’s life. Board of Education President Christopher McFadden and Board Secretary Edie Adamski also commended Mrs. Pinciak for her accomplishment.

Shown: (l-r) District 157-C Superintendent Dr. Maura J. Zinni, Chelsea teacher Leah Pinciak, Board of Education President Christopher McFadden.