Six More Riverview Teachers Become Nationally Certified
Mike Miyoshi, Vanessa Hair, Stacey Kelley, Catherine Mulligan, Nancy Timson, and Tiffany Ingham
Story by: Leanne Christensen, RSD
Riverview School District would like to congratulate teachers, Mike Miyoshi, Stacey Kelley, Vanessa Hair, Tiffany Ingham, Catherine Mulligan, and Nancy Timson, who have earned their National Board Certification, one of the highest designations in the U.S. for professional excellence in teaching. Riverview now has a total of fifteen National Board Certified Teachers, approximately 10% of the district's teaching staff.
The teachers involved in the process expressed that the amount of time given, (approximately one year) was both difficult and challenging. Nancy Timson, the Library Media Specialist at Tolt Middle School, shared how this certification confirmed her beliefs that libraries are central to the learning community, and key to improving student learning.
Carnation Elementary teacher, Vanessa Hair, believes that this experience helped her to think "beyond my classroom walls and look at the system more holistically, and I am much more reflective about curriculum as a whole when meeting student needs."
Cedarcrest Engineering teacher, Mike Miyoshi, shared of his belief in the importance of looking critically at his teaching, and that the certification process strongly validated this concept. He will continue "to make changes that benefit my students and help to get them better prepared for life."
The teachers involved also expressed their appreciation to the Riverview School District for their commitment throughout the certification process. In particular, thank you to Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Smith, for authorizing financial support for each teacher and assistance with scholarships to help offset the $2,500.00 tuition fee, also to District Technology Instruction Specialist, Karen Hough, for her expertise.
Superintendent Conrad Robertson shared the following statement, "I commend these teachers on their dedication to the students and to their profession. The challenges of this rigorous and time-intensive process set these educators apart in leadership, skills, and knowledge."
The teachers and their accomplishments were celebrated at a recent School Board Meeting where they were given National Board Certification pins and congratulated by the School Board. Fellow Riverview staff members, friends and family were also present to honor these exceptional teachers.