Washougal School District teachers Scott Rainey, Jemtegaard Middle School, and Brian Amundson, Washougal High School, earned National Board certification this year.
Certification is a one- to three-year-long introspective process that requires teachers to submit a four-part portfolio and a six-exercise content and pedagogy assessment. The four entries document a teacher’s success in the classroom as evidenced by his or her students’ learning. The portfolio is then assessed by a national panel of peers.
Brian Amundson says although the process was time-consuming, it was well worth it. “I decided to pursue national board certification because I had heard from others that it was a worthwhile process,” says Amundson. “It forced me to deeply evaluate and reflect on what I do in the classroom - everything from learning objectives and instruction to assessment.”
Scott Rainey says the process fostered his own learning and forced him to analyze his teaching practices. “Not just as a teacher, but as a person I believe in being a lifelong learner,” said Rainey.
