Sandra Janack Renews National Board Certification

Sandra Janack, a fifth grade Social Studies teacher and Grade Level Dean at Shorecrest Preparatory School, is one of nearly 4,000 teachers across the United States to renew their certificate as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

The certification process requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with the Five Core Propositions. They must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.

According to Janack, "I have been working to thoughtfully integrate technology into my curriculum and to collaborate with other teachers to develop meaningful project-based learning units. The National Board certification renewal process helped to validate that this work is beneficial to students."

She continues, "The National Board process has helped me to be purposeful about my instruction, to better understand each child as an individual learner, and to reflect thoughtfully on my teaching practice so that I continually improve."