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Board certification means more money and new perspectives on teaching for 14 educators in the county.
By KENT FISCHER
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 21, 2001
Fourteen Pasco County teachers have achieved national certification after completing a highly regarded training program that scrutinized their teaching and consumed hundreds of hours.
The credential now puts them at the top of their profession and will bring them thousands of dollars in bonuses and additional pay. They are among 992 Florida teachers to earn certification this year from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, an independent, non-profit organization based in Michigan headed by Betty Castor, former president of the University of South Florida and the state commissioner of education.
Less than half of the teachers who enter the program complete it successfully, according to the organization. This year, 6,500 teachers earned the credential. In Pasco, 33 started the program last year; 14 finished it successfully. That brings to 36 the number of Pasco teachers who have earned the certification.
The certification "is respected nationwide," said Judith Kistler, Pasco school district's director of human resources. "It forces teachers to look at themselves and reflect on their teaching practices. I can't help but think that if we all did that we would all be much better at our jobs."
The teachers who earned the certification will receive a $4,200 annual bonus from the state and can earn another $4,200 a year if they mentor younger teachers. That could add up to an additional $84,000 over the 10-year life of the certification. It costs $2,300 just to apply to the program. Teachers who complete it successfully get 90 percent of that fee reimbursed by the state.
The program started in 1993, but hardly anybody knew about it until 1997, when then-President Clinton talked about it during his State of the Union address. At least 38 states, including Florida, now offer incentives for their teachers to complete the program.
To earn the credential, teachers have to videotape their teaching and submit samples of their students' work. They have to analyze their teaching and explain why they teach they way they do. Teachers also must undergo six hours of exams that test their knowledge of their subjects and of teaching.
Fourteen Pasco teachers recently completed a tough national certification program. They are listed below with the schools where they teach:
Edwin Braddy, Mitchell High School
Ron Brill, Pasco High School
Donna Hoague, Chasco Elementary School
Karen Kotsovolos, Seven Springs Elementary
Ellen Maracotta, Bayonet Point Middle School
Patti Martin, Deer Park Elementary
Patricia McHatten, Weightman Middle School
Denise Taylor Mestanza, Hudson Elementary
Janet Nathe, Lacoochee Elementary
Vicky Bennett, Hudson Middle School
Karlene Whidden, RB Stewert Middle
Cathy Wildey, Gulf High School