Thirty teachers in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), including 10 from Redmond, achieved National Board Certification, bringing the district’s total to 170 full-time National Board Certified teachers.

Teachers in Redmond who received this certification are Nancy Pfaff from Horace Mann Elementary, Lisa Lewis from Rockwell Elementary, Jennifer Drake from Rosa Parks Elementary, Mary Schroeder from Benjamin Rush Elementary and Sarah De la Cruz, Bryan Rowley, Katerina Gilday, Steve Okun and David Peabody from Redmond High. In addition, Jennifer Harris, who teaches at both Juanita and Redmond High Schools also earned her certification.

Teachers earn this credential through a rigorous assessment that generally takes a year or more to complete. Teachers are required to demonstrate how their work improves student achievement. 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. The National Board Certification is considered the highest professional certification a teacher can obtain.

This year, 1,272 teachers in Washington achieved National Board Certification, placing the state second in new National Board Certifications, behind only North Carolina with 2,282 new National Board Certifications. Washington now has 5,247 Board-certified teachers, which places the state fourth overall in the nation.

“Congratulations to all thirty of our teachers who have achieved this prestigious credential,” said Superintendent Chip Kimball. “We have exceptional faculty in Lake Washington School District, so it is no surprise that so many of our teachers are able to achieve this status. All of us benefit (students, teachers and other staff members) when teachers achieve National Board Certification, as these teachers share their knowledge and expertise with those around them.”