Four District 205 teachers earn national certification

From press release

Four educators are joining the ranks of Rockford School District 205 teachers with National Board Certification, bringing the total to 33. The certifications were announced last week by the national organization.

The teachers who successfully completed the rigorous requirements to receive certification in 2009 are:

• Nancy Dunnavan of Bloom Elementary School, certified in Generalist/Early Childhood.

• Aprel Prunty of Roosevelt Alternative High School, certified in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood.

• Doris Skaar of Flinn Middle School, certified in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood.

• Adriana Villagomez of Rockford Environment Science Academy, certified in Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood.

Teachers who choose to pursue national certification take a series of tests and submit a portfolio with videotaped classroom lessons. The process takes one to three years to complete, and fewer than half of those who apply are awarded with national certification.

For Dunnavan, assistance from colleagues who previously earned national certification eased the strenuous process. “Their help brings me to tears,” Dunnavan said. “I am so excited to receive this certification.”

In June 2008, the National Research Council of the National Academies reported that students of nationally-certified teachers make higher gains on achievement tests than students of non-board certified teachers. The national certification is awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, an independent, nonprofit organization.

Across the country, more than 82,000 teachers hold national board certification.

Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield said: “National Board Certification ranks among the top credentials an educator can attain, not dissimilar to board certification for doctors or accountants. Having highly qualified teachers in our classrooms is critical to the academic success of our children.”