Now Randee Schatz can say that she has met the nation’s highest teaching standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Randee Schatz uses a smartboard to teach her kindergarten students a lesson during a recent school day.

Schatz is among 82,000 teachers throughout the country who have achieved National Board Certification.

“Completing the National Board Certification process provided me with the opportunity to examine and reflect upon my teaching practices and to look at what my students were learning and how they were applying these new skills,” GES Kindergarten teacher Randee Schatz said. “I think this experience made me a better teacher and as a result will benefit all of my students.

A voluntary assessment program designed to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers, National Board Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each state, NBCTs have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices.

“National Board Certification is a growing education reform movement that is reshaping American education,” said Joseph A. Aguerrebere, NBPTS president and chief executive officer, according tot he press release. “We are committed to providing school districts like Gasconade County R-2 with high-quality teachers who have a deep knowledge of content and teaching practices to support diverse learners. I am proud that Randee Schatz is among the 82,000 teachers throughout the country who have achieved National Board Certification. These outstanding educators are making a positive difference in the lives of students.”

For more information about NBPTS and National Board Certification, visit the NBPTS Web site at http://www.nbpts.org.

.