Homer 33C Teachers Earn National Board Teacher Certifications

Press release from Homer Community Consolidated School District 33C:

Jan. 21, 2021

Three Homer 33C teachers have earned their National Board Teacher Certification (NBT) from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Shannon Schroeder teaches 8th grade English Language Arts (ELA) at Homer Jr. High. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Composition from DePauw University and a master's degree in Secondary Education and English from Indiana University. She recently finished a second master's from Olivet Nazarene University in Curriculum and Instruction & School Leadership. Mrs. Schroeder co-sponsors the Natural Helpers club, serves on the School Leadership Team, and is a District Instructional Technology Coach.

“The NBCT process made me hyper aware of how my systematic, intentional instructional choices, consistent and continuous reflection on student learning, and commitment to evaluating that learning is integral to student success. The process, which is founded in NBCT's 5 Core Propositions, challenges teachers to intensely focus on every decision and every process for each student in their classroom. The process requires 4 components (3 portfolios and a test) through which teachers must provid evidence of accomplished teaching that meets the strict NBCT standards. I feel strongly that the learning that I experienced throughout the NBCT certification process has had a positive impact on my teaching efficacy and on how I view student success,” Schroeder said of her NBT journey.

Caroline Risum also teaches 8th grade English Language Arts (ELA) at Homer Jr. High. She received her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Eastern Illinois University and is currently working on her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration on Language Arts from the American College of Education.

When asked about her certification means to her, Risum said, “Pursuing my National Board certification has helped me to better understand how my students think and learn. It has made me more aware of how I teach, not just what I teach. I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with my students on a level I never have before.”

Kelly Klosak teaches 6th grade social studies, reading, and English Language Arts (ELA) at Hadley Middle School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in Reading Education from Olivet Nazarene University. She coaches cheerleading at Homer Jr. High.

"Pursuing National Board Certification was by far the best and most influential professional development experience I have ever gone through. Going through the process gave me a fresh perspective on teaching, and it really helped me reflect on how I could best refine and improve in my own practice to best meet the individual needs of every student in my classroom,” Klosak said when asked about her NBT certification.

They will join the ranks of the 3% of teachers across the United States that are NBT certified. According to NBT, achievement of National Board Certification means an educator has proven to be an accomplished educator as defined by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and their Five Core Propositions, much like a board certified surgeon has proven to meet the defined standards of the American Board of Surgery and other board certified professionals have met rigorous standards in their chosen fields.

Candidates must meet the following requirements to be eligible for National Board Certification: a minimum of three years teaching or school counseling experience in K-12, possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and hold a valid state teaching or school counseling license for each of the three years of teaching experience.

Candidates undergo a rigorous assessment process in which teachers reflect upon how they engage their students in learning and how they constantly improve their teaching skills. Each teacher must develop a portfolio consisting of student work, videotapes of classroom interaction, and written commentaries. Teachers then complete computer-based exercises focused on content knowledge as well as age-appropriate and content appropriate teaching strategies.

Board-certified teachers are recognized as experts and are often sought out for leadership positions in their schools and districts. Homer 33C is proud of the accomplishments of our three new NBT-certified teachers.

This press release was produced by Homer Community Consolidated School District 33C. The views expressed here are the author's own.