Conversations with Educators

A+ is pleased to present a conversation with Susan Yates. Susan is an eighth grade teacher at Simmons Middle School. She was awarded NBPTS Certification in 1995.

What do you believe is the importance of board certification in developing teaching as a profession in the nation and in Alabama specifically?

It is no secret that teachers are not afforded the same regard by the public as other professionals. It is a rare individual who would presume to tell his doctor how to treat him, his lawyer how to handle his case, his architect how to draw up the specs for a new office building. And yet people seem to have no qualms about dictating the business and practice of teachers.

The standards of the National Board were established by experts - teachers from across the country who had earned the respect of the profession as models of accomplished teaching. These standards guided the creation of assessments which could determine how well a teacher met the requirements for accomplished teaching.

The assessments are not for all teachers. They are rigorous, demanding, and time-consuming. They require that a teacher demonstrate his/her skill as a practitioner. To be successful at the assessment takes intelligence, dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Surely these are qualities we all feel every teacher should possess.

I believe that the process itself can produce better teaching. It is rare that a teacher, even one who does not succeed in achieving National Board Certification, fails to admit the growth that resulted from the process of analyzing and reflecting upon classroom practice. According to research, the primary factor in a child's success in school is an excellent teacher. A profession beleaguered by both poor self- and public esteem can only benefit from a cadre of teachers who have voluntarily chosen to demonstrate their accomplishments.

How do you believe board certification impacts student learning?

The purpose of Board certification is to recognize accomplished teaching. By definition an accomplished teacher is one who steps back and examines what he/she does in the performance of his/her role in the classroom and school. The accomplished teacher analyzes what does and doesn't work; this teacher is constantly refining, restructuring, planning, and learning in an effort to teach students better. This sort of reflection and action can only result in better student learning.

How has the process of becoming Board certified has changed your perspective of teaching?

I once chose to operate as a teacher pretty much behind the closed doors of my classroom. I changed and grew as a teacher in an effort to bring success to all my students, not just a select few. My methods were often considered "unconventional;" this is not something that was valued by colleagues so I kept quiet and kept searching. When I first read the standards for Early Adolescence/English Language Arts, I felt validated in what I had come to believe about the teaching and learning of young people.

Since my certification, I have found myself in the company of teachers who believed as I do. No longer do I feel alone and isolated. My certification has afforded me opportunities I never thought possible for a classroom teacher, such as being asked to speak to groups as an "expert," presenting at prestigious gatherings, and meeting the President of the United States. I have come to realize that I am not "just a teacher."

What encouraging words can you give to others considering Board certification?

I am not one of these people who always wanted to be a teacher, but the first time I stood in front of my own junior high classroom I knew I had found my place. Teaching defines who I am. I am also never satisfied with staying the same. Board Certification is not something to just "hang on the wall." It embodies standards that I must always work hard to live up to. If you recognize yourself in this description, then you must consider the process of certification. It is the most significant and rewarding "professional development" I've ever undertaken.

What suggestions can you offer to those undertaking Board certification?

Take advantage of the state's offer to pay the $2,000 assessment fee. The application process can help you see how well prepared you are for the assessment (and save you a lot of money!). Also, become part of a mentoring/support group. There is one available statewide, but if this isn't practical for you, find others in your area who are involved in the process. It's a very tough thing to do all alone.