Four Kent School District teachers earned National Board Certification this year.

Educators across the nation showed their deep commitment to students and their own professional learning by pursuing and achieving National Board certification in an unusual school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a district news release.

North Carolina (467), Washington (275), California (173), Alabama (166) and Illinois (164) topped the state rankings for teachers achieving their certification in 2021.

The four Kent teachers are:

• Amy Campbell, Meadow Ridge Elementary School

Literacy: Reading-Language Arts early and middle childhood

• Michel Oursland, Scenic Hill Elementary School

Literacy: Reading-Language Arts early and middle childhood

• Natalya Spatarel, Scenic Hill Elementary School

Literacy: Reading-Language Arts early and middle childhood

• Conan Thornhill, The Outreach Program (TOP)

Exceptional needs specialist early childhood through young adulthood

Teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met high standards through study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review. It is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential.

“The facilitators and I are always amazed by the dedication and quality reflection that occurs during the rigorous National Board process,” said Stacey Gruenich, mentor program specialist. “It is an honor to support remarkable educators that strive to improve their practice and create an impartial, inclusive, and positive learning environment for their students.”

By pursuing excellence to attain this certification, these teachers strengthen their teaching practice, improve student success, demonstrate leadership skills and expand their teaching influence and expertise. Recognized nationwide, National Board Certified teachers raise the standards for teachers.

Nurse earns national certification

Mariel LePage, school nurse at Kent Elementary, achieved her National Board Certification this year.

The National Board for Certification of School Nurses endorses the concept of voluntary certification by examination for all school nurses. Board certification in school nursing is highly valued and provides formal recognition of school nursing knowledge and competence.

The program is accredited by the American Board of Nursing and is the standard‐setting body for specialty nursing certification programs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously impacted the work of school nurses and we thank them for their leadership, commitment, and efforts in keeping our students and staff healthy and safe,” according to a district statement.