Seventeen teachers earn prestigious certification

Seventeen South Dakota teachers earned National Board Certification in 2006. That brings the total number of National Board Certified teachers employed in South Dakota to 56. The certification is recognized as one of the highest credentials in the teaching profession. 

“National Board Certification is a rigorous process that promotes quality teaching,” said Secretary of Education Rick Melmer. “The teachers who earn it represent our most dedicated and qualified professionals, and the Department of Education is proud to recognize their efforts.”

South Dakota teachers who earned National Board Certification in 2006 are:

• Nancy Cutler, Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood, Groton School District

• Cheryl Erdman, Generalist/Middle Childhood, Hill City School District

• Debra Ford, Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood, Chamberlain School District

• Jolynn Foster, Generalist/Early Childhood, Flandreau School District

• Michael Groher, Generalist/Middle Childhood, Sioux Falls School District

• Rebecca Hanson, Generalist/Early Childhood, Arlington School District

• Sandra Hoffner, English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Yankton School District

• Allen Hogie, Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Brandon Valley School District

• Marjorie Kindle, Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Yankton School District

• Amy Knutson, Generalist/Middle Childhood, Sioux Falls School District

• Bernice Krambeck, English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Spearfish School District

• Ramona Lundberg, Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Deuel School District

• Sue Morrell, English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Wagner Community School District

• Sharon O’Keefe, Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood, Rapid City Area School District

• Connie Rous, Generalist/Middle Childhood, Shannon County School District

• Debora Swanson, Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood, Chamberlain School District

• Laurie Wenger, Generalist/Middle Childhood, Harrisburg School District

South Dakota public school teachers who earn National Board Certification receive a $1,000 stipend per year for five years from their local school district. The South Dakota Department of Education also provides a $1,000 stipend per year for five years. The money is provided as an incentive for teachers to pursue this advanced degree.

A voluntary process established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Board Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that takes one to three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

As part of the process, teachers build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videotapes and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. Additionally, teachers are assessed on their knowledge of the subjects they teach.