Six Northshore teachers recently received their National Board Certification from The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Like board-certified doctors and accountants, teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review. The school district now employs 29 teachers with National Board certification.

Those receiving certification this year are:

• Lynn Emerson, learning center teacher, Crystal Springs Elementary, Bothell

• Deborah Fullerton, sixth-grade teacher, Moorlands Elementary, Kenmore

• Geoff Gilmore, English teacher, Inglemoor High, Kenmore

• Kelly Griffin, music teacher, Moorlands Elementary, Kenmore

• Katie Peffer, fourth-grade teacher, Maywood Hills Elementary, Bothell

• Elizabeth Whitfield, English teacher, Bothell High, Bothell

To receive National Board Certification, teachers must complete a portfolio of classroom practice and an assessment of knowledge administered at a computer-based testing center. The portfolio must include three examples of instruction, at least two of which require video recordings of classroom interactions and all of which require student work samples. Candidates are also required to complete one entry in which work with families and the larger community and with colleagues and the larger profession is documented.

The six newly certified teachers were recognized at the June 10 School Board meeting.