VCU School of Education helps more Richmond area teachers receive National Board Certification. Ceremony honors seventeen.

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Seventeen more Richmond area teachers have achieved National Board Certification, thanks to a partnership of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education and the Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and Richmond City public schools.

The Metropolitan Educational Training Alliance (META) hosted a ceremony at the VCU Student Commons honoring its second group of teachers to achieve National Board Certification. During the ceremony, superintendents from the four school districts presented each honoree with an official lapel pin identifying them as National Board Certified Teachers.

Wendy Krickovic, National Board Certified Teacher and principal of Fair Oaks Elementary School in Henrico County, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. State and local dignitaries attended, including VCU School of Education Dean William C. Bosher, Ph.D., Chesterfield superintendent Billy K. Cannaday, Ph.D., Hanover superintendent Stewart D. Roberson, Ph.D., Henrico superintendent Mark A. Edwards, Ph.D., and Richmond superintendent Deborah Jewell-Sherman, Ph.D. Virginia Deputy Secretary of Education Sarah Hopkins Finley delivered the keynote address.

Seven of the newly certified teachers are VCU graduates, including Arleen N. Reinhardt, who teaches 11th grade English at Manchester High School in Chesterfield. "Although the process was rigorous, sometimes frustrating and time consuming, it was the best experience I have been offered as a veteran teacher," she said. "I have grown professionally through my deeper knowledge of the standards in my area of expertise, through discussions with colleagues, and by analyzing, evaluating and reflecting upon the information and materials I use, the strategies I use and the tools of assessment I use."

"These are some of the best teachers in their divisions and to hear them say how much the National Board Certification process has improved their teaching is really impressive," said Terry Dozier, Ed.D., META coordinator and director of the Center for Teacher Leadership in VCU's School of Education.

National Board Certification is a voluntary professional development process that recognizes accomplished teachers who meet rigorous standards of performance. Offered through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, a nonpartisan, independent, and nonprofit organization, National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing. It is a professional certification increasingly used by states and local communities as a way to identify and reward exemplary teachers.

The General Assembly has appropriated a $5,000 salary bonus in the first year for all teachers who achieve National Board Certification and $2,500 each remaining year for the life of the certificate. The META divisions provide additional incentives for their National Board Certified Teachers.

META was formed in 2001 to meet the professional development and training needs of teachers, administrators and other educational personnel. Since then, it has helped more than 30 Richmond-area teachers achieve National Board Certification.

Chesterfield County teachers, who received National Board Certification, pose at a ceremony in the VCU Student Commons honoring their achievements.

Photo by Jigar Patel
Chesterfield County teachers, who received National Board Certification, pose at a ceremony in the VCU Student Commons honoring their achievements. Photo by Jigar Patel