Nine Knowles Fellows Achieve National Board Certification

Mathematics and science educators earn advanced teaching credential

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Jan 23, 2018, 08:45 ET

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Jan. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Knowles Teacher Initiative today announced that nine of its Fellows achieved National Board Certification, an advanced teaching credential. The newly certified teachers are among the first group to certify under a redesigned assessment that was administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Built upon National Board Standards and the Five Core Propositions, National Board Certification involves completion of a rigorous, performance-based, peer-review process. The certification process requires candidates to submit a portfolio that contains evidence of differentiation in instruction, student engagement, and their ability to act as an effective and reflective practitioner. Additionally, content knowledge must be demonstrated through completion of a computer-based assessment. To achieve certification, candidates must demonstrate a proven impact on student learning and achievement.

"The Knowles Teacher Initiative is committed to supporting teachers in their efforts to improve education for all students in the United States," stated Nicole Gillespie, Knowles Executive Director. "Our mission and values are closely aligned with those of the NBPTS. As such, we believe that providing our Fellows with financial assistance and mentoring to achieve certification is a high-leverage investment in the teaching profession."

The Knowles Teaching Fellowship is an intensive and cohesive, five-year program that supports early-career, high school mathematics and science teachers in their efforts to develop teaching expertise and lead from the classroom. Knowles Fellows are supported in their efforts to become Board-certified teachers. Specifically, Knowles Fellows are eligible for financial assistance and writing support, as well as participation in one-on-one and group meetings that are led by a National Board Certified Knowles Fellow. "I gained tremendous insight into my teaching practice as I prepared my portfolio for submission," commented Alison Espinosa, the NBPTS-trained Candidate Support Provider who led the most recent Knowles support group. "I further strengthened my teaching practice as I provided support and guidance to other teachers on their journey to achieving National Board Certification."

The following Knowles Fellows achieved National Board Certification in December 2017:

Ben Buehler, Yorktown High School, Yorktown, Indiana
Victor Chen, Lee M. Thurston High School, Redford, Michigan
Brittany Franckowiak, Wilde Lake High School, Columbia, Maryland
Heather Hotchkiss, Robert E. Lee High School, Springfield, Virginia
Alex Lester, Washington-Lee High School, Arlington, Virginia
Laura Nutter, Bullis School, Potomac, Maryland
Tara Palomares, Sandia High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cacia Steensen, Centaurus High School, Lafayette, Colorado
Jessica Watts, John Paul II High School, Plano, Texas

Nationwide, more than 118,000 teachers have achieved National Board Certification, including 35 Knowles Fellows.

About the Knowles Teacher Initiative

The Knowles Teacher Initiative, a 501(c)(3) non-profit formerly known as the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF), was established by Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles in 1999 to increase the number of high quality high school science and mathematics teachers in the United States. Through the Teaching Fellows Program, Senior Fellows Program and the Knowles Academy, the Knowles Teacher Initiative seeks to support a national network of mathematics and science teachers who are collaborative, innovative leaders improving education for all students in the United States. For more information, visit https://www.knowlesteachers.org/.

Media Contact
Ebony Freeman
Knowles Teacher Initiative
856.608.0001, ext. 7029
[email protected]

SOURCE Knowles Teacher Initiative