Eight Teachers Receive National Recognition

Half Hollow Hills School District Superintendent Kelly Fallon announced that eight teachers have earned National Board Certification, an honor considered the "the gold standard" of teaching.

National Board Certification is an advanced teaching designation. It complements a state’s teacher license credentials, and is highly revered as the highest standard of teaching excellence. Fallon explained the assessment process was vigorous, and recognized Director of Social Studies Lorraine Lupinskie, who also earned the certification, and Silvia Scognamillo, staff development coordinator for their support to all of the teachers involved.  

"As the nation focuses on building the strongest possible teaching workforce, National Board Certification is the gold standard in affirming excellence in the classroom," said Ron Thorpe, National Board for Professional Teaching President and CEO. "These highly qualified teachers are true 'nation builders,' and are the educators who are best positioned to lead the ground-up movement our schools need to reach their potential."

The teachers were recognized at the Dec. 5 Board of Education meeting.

The winners are:

Nicole Baggio, Otsego Elementary

Sarah Baptiste, 

Jamie Diodato, High School East

Jennifer Ievolo, 

Maria Lennon, Candlewood Middle School

Geri Sundermier, 

Cynthia Yantz-Cullen, 

Nazanene Yaqubie, 

*Information and photo courtesy of Felice Kristall.