The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced that nine Montana teachers have successfully earned National Board Certification (NBC).

According to the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation (MPTF), which administers the program in Montana, our state now has 164 National Board Certified Teachers.

“Earning National Board Certification is a crowning achievement, and this group of professional educators deserve congratulations for the incredible feat they’ve accomplished.  These educators have dedicated their lives to providing our students the best education in America, and Montana families are grateful to them,” said MPTF Chair Amanda Curtis.

Achieving National Board Certification is no easy enterprise.  Candidates have up to three years to complete four entries documenting their teaching performance.  There are three classroom-centered components, one of which must include videotaped evidence of quality instruction.  Most candidates spend from 120 to 200 hours preparing these components with the intent of subjecting their performance to rigorous professional peer evaluation.  Finally, candidates sit for a written performance assessment and then do not learn if they have successfully earned National Board Certification for nearly six months after they have completed all their work.

The state of Montana provides a stipend of up to $2,500 per year to National Board Certified Teachers. In addition, many local school districts provide an annual NBC stipend.

• Jessica Vallincourt, Fergus High School, English Language Arts
• Rachel White, Belgrade High School, Science
• Katherine Capp, Belgrade High School, Science
• Brianna James, Belgrade High School, Science
• Erin Nolte, Belgrade High School, Mathematics
• Renae Tintzman, Whitefish High School, Mathematics
• Maria Foot, Capital High School, English Language Arts
• Tara Hirsch, Bozeman Hyalite Elementary, Middle School Generalist
• Jeanette Price, Columbia Falls High School, English Language Arts

The Montana Professional Teaching Foundation, established by and administered through the Montana Federation of Public Employees, works to promote and enhance the Montana teaching profession and quality education. The Foundation’s programs include:

• Karen Cox Memorial Grants to help teachers purchase innovative classroom resources

• National Board Certification & Candidate Support

• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching

• Jim McGarvey Scholarships