Thirty-two Richland One teachers achieve national board certification in 2003

Thirty-two Richland One teachers are among the ranks of 867 statewide receiving the highest credential l available in the teaching profession in 2003, the National Board for Professional Teaching StandardsTM has announced.

The 2003 National Board-certified teachers are: Michael Steward, Lower Richland High; Alethea Barnes, W.J. Keenan High; Rhonda Quick, A.C. Flora High; Heather Bloomer, Meadowfield Elementary; Ronda Steadman, Caughman Road Elementary; Briana Oakes, A.J. Lewis Greenview Elementary; Linda Smith, A.C. Flora High; Robin Bacon, A.C. Flora High; Britty Pointer, A.C. Flora High; Elizabeth Ezell, Dreher High; Gina Morris, Satchel Ford Elementary; Saudah Collins, Horrell Hill Elementary; Sheryl Ancone, W.S. Sandel Elementary; Martha Hayes, H.B. Rhame Elementary; Jeanna Hoffman, Satchel Ford Elementary; Elizabeth Adams, A.C. Flora High; and Margaret Jackson, A.C. Flora High.

Also, Jessica Grabiner, Dreher High; Jana Payne, A.C. Moore Elementary; Veronica Davis, S. Kilbourne Elementary; Thelma Graham, Satchel Ford Elementary; Doris Davidson, E.E. Taylor Elementary; Hope Reed, W.J. Keenan High; Laura Haverkamp, Dreher High; Dr. Carla Daniels, Eau Claire High; Nancy Little, Crayton Middle; Ann Perry, Satchel Ford Elementary; Lorna Postlethwaite, E.E. Taylor Elementary; Mary Harris, Hopkins Middle; Stacy Allendorf, Satchel Ford Elementary; Fritzella Devaux, E.E. Taylor Elementary; and Beatrice Bolton, Columbia High.

They join 99 other Richland One teachers who have achieved national certification, ranking the district in the top five in the state with national board-certified teachers.

Successful candidates in South Carolina receive a $7,500 pay increase every year that they teach after receiving certification, for the 10-year life of their certificates. 

Richland One is paying an annual supplement of $5,500 to teachers who become National Board Certified. The highest supplement in the state, this amount is for the life of the certificate and is in addition to incentives being offered by the state.

Teachers who seek National Board Certification undertake a two-part process that takes from one to three years to complete. The process requires candidates to reflect on their classroom practices, their understanding of subject material and their preparation techniques. In addition to preparing a portfolio with videotapes of classroom teaching, lesson plans, student work samples, and reflective essays, teachers must complete assessment center exercises based upon content knowledge that proves they have mastered the subjects they teach and know how to teach them.