Federal Way teachers excel among other districts in board certification | Schools

Federal Way Public Schools now have 41 more board certified teachers, according to the district.

The district was first in the state and 11th in the nation for districts with the largest number of new national-board certified teachers. Ten of those teachers came from Mirror Lake Elementary, the most from a single school in the U.S., according to the district.

The year-long certification process involves creating a portfolio that outlines instructional methods and student learning successes, which are then evaluated by teachers on a national panel.

"As we continue to develop ways to ensure every student has a high quality teacher everyday, the National Board certification process facilitates a tremendous opportunity for our staff to reflect and grow as professionals," says Assistant Superintendent Josh Garcia. "The National Board certification program in Federal Way Public Schools is rigorous, engaging, and supportive for staff. We are extremely proud of our candidates for their relentless pursuit of increased student achievement."

The newly certified teachers are: Emily Drury Dean, Dorothy Hess, Charae Hulburt, Heidi Snead, Karey Wolber, Stephen Boolos, Amy Brewin, Amanda Cunningham, Shelly Downey, Katie Drury, Erin Gillick, Tessa Kaplan, Patrick Kirby, Traci Laroche, Jamie Schneider, Marilyn Anderson, Jill Arnold-Phillips, Julianne Arns, Glenda Blankenship, Melissa Brooks, Nicole Brush, Patricia Clemons, Linda Craft, Christie Galinat, Carrie Hendrickson, Mark Klumpenhower, Anna Knuth, Katherine Kuper, Hayley Mathis, Melinda McDonald, John Meagher, Carol Milat, Chantelle Moran, Rebecca Nilsen, Kimberly Richardson Kester, Joann Salomon, Korey Sites, Benita Slaeker, Cassandra Stephani, Parvin Strong and Kathy Wong.