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Schools

Sixty teachers join elite group

By RITA FARLOW
Published January 30, 2007

Doreen Chonko has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in library science.

Still, going through the process to become National Board Certified was the hardest thing she's ever done, Chonko said.

"We knew it was going to be a monster, but until you actually go through it, you have no idea how hard it is. It consumes your life," she said.

Chonko, a library information specialist at Palm Harbor University High School, was one of 60 Pinellas County teachers who attained National Board Certification in December. Pinellas ranked 14th in the nation for the number of teachers certified this year.

The county now boasts 300 National Board Certified teachers. Certification is granted by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, established by a coalition of educators in 1987 to advance the profession by developing high teaching standards.

Several educators said the process, which can take up to three years, is arduous and time-consuming. "You have to set a timeline for yourself and you have to set goals," Chonko said.

Chonko and Barbara Dirscherl, also from Palm Harbor, were certified in library media/early childhood through young adulthood, one of 24 possible certification areas. To be eligible, teachers must hold a bachelor's degree, have completed three years of teaching and hold a state teaching or counseling license.

To become certified, teachers must submit four portfolio entries and complete a series of six exercises that successfully demonstrate their knowledge in the certificate area. Candidates who don't achieve certification on the first attempt have up to two years from their initial score date to resubmit portions of the portfolio or exercises.

Marilyn Pantin, behavior specialist at Pinellas Park Middle School, was working on a master's degree when she first tried for certification. Pantin finished her degree but had to resubmit three portfolio entries to better reflect her teaching methods.

"I hoped that they would take (from the portfolios) the desire I have in me to make improvements in my students' lives," Pantin said.

The NBPTS reports that more than 25 percent of school districts offer financial incentives for teachers who gain certification. Certified teachers in Pinellas do not receive bonuses from the district, but Hillsborough rewards those who work in high-poverty schools with $4,500.

The cost for certification is $2,500, but the state Department of Education pays $2,250, said DOE information specialist Deborah Higgins. The state also rewards certified teachers with bonuses of 10 percent of the average state teacher salary, and another 10 percent if they mentor others, Higgins said.

The bonuses can add up to more than $8,000 per year, which adds incentive, several teachers said. But the process is also a chance for teachers to re-evaluate their work.

"It gives you a chance to revisit yourself and your teaching style, and it helps you reflect," Pantin said.

"When you're actually able to sit back and look at (your work) and listen to people's comments, it just helps you to improve."

[Last modified January 30, 2007, 06:56:06]