Fourteen Lexington County District One Teachers Earn National Board Certification | News

Lexington County School District One had fourteen teachers earn National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

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The voluntary program requires educators to participate in a two-part process that takes from one to three years to complete. Candidates must reflect on their classroom practices, their understanding of subject material and their preparation techniques. They also prepare a portfolio with videotapes of classroom teaching, lesson plans, student work samples and reflective essays; and complete assessment center exercises designed to show they have mastered the subjects they teach and know how to teach them.

The newly board certified teachers are Amanda Grigsby at Gilbert Primary; Julie Shealy at Lake Murray Elementary; Cynthia Fanning and Ashlee Young at Lexington Elementary; Angela Byrd and Melanie Wayt at Lexington High; Ashleigh Near at Lexington Middle; Ashlyn Ancone at New Providence Elementary; Deborah McDermet at Pelion High; Amy Thomasson at Pelion Middle; Tara Farmer at Pleasant Hill Middle; Jennifer Szalwinski at White Knoll Elementary; Terri Vick-Phillips at White Knoll High; and Aimee Shumpert at White Knoll Middle.

South Carolina teachers achieving National Board Certification receive a state-provided annual salary supplement. Lexington One also gives each National Board certified teacher a stipend.

“National Board Certified teachers demonstrate the ability to lead using the 21st century skills that our district finds essential — critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication,” said Lexington One Superintendent Karen Woodward. “Through this process teachers demonstrate what it means to be a self-directed learner, supporting our district’s vision of preparing a new generation of global leaders and citizens.”