A Confidence Elementary School kindergarten teacher has attained                                   the highest symbol of                                teaching excellence,                              National Board of                               Professional Teaching                               Standards Certification.                            Kristi Barker was                                 recently notified of her                      achievement.

National Board                                Certification is a                                   symbol of teaching                             excellence held by                                     fewer than five percent                                 of all teachers                                  nationwide.

According to Joseph Aguerrebere, NBPTS President and CEO, "National Board Certification is the most prestigious credential a teacher can earn. 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."

Attaining board certification is a rigorous process that may take up to three years to complete. Through an extensive series of portfolios, videotapes, student-work samples, and assessments, teachers must demonstrate how their activities improve student achievement. Research indicates that students of teachers who attain National Board Certification outperform classmates on numerous achievement assessments.

"We were very pleased to receive notice of Kristi’s achievement," states Superintendent Harold "Chuck" Hatfield. "The hard work of dedicated and talented teachers like Kristi is the key to student achievement and is making a huge difference in the lives of Putnam County students." 

Barker’s accomplishment brings the number of National Board Certified Teachers in Putnam County Schools to 15.