The Kent County Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas and school system administrators recognize six teachers Monday, Feb. 10 for receiving their National Board Certifications. The teachers began working toward their National Board Certifications in 2022.
ROCK HALL — This winter marked an important milestone for six teachers in Kent County Public Schools who have now received their National Board Certifications.
The teachers were recognized by Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas and the Kent County Board of Education Monday, Feb. 10 with a special pinning ceremony celebrating their achievement.
And there are more teachers working on their certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, said Director of Human Resources Dan Hushion.
"Currently we have over 30 people involved in the National Board process," he said at the ceremony.
The newly National Board-certified teachers are:
• Sara Brock, Galena Elementary School
• Katie Hughes, Kent County Middle School
• Jessica Ribaudo, Galena Elementary School
• Caren Saunders, Kent County High School
• Melissa Walters, Kent County High School
• Rachel Watchilla, Galena Elementary School
The cohort of teachers began working on their National Board Certifications in 2022.
"I would just like to thank you all for the hard work and effort that you have all put in during this process, which I know required a lot of additional work and responsibility outside of school," Hushion said. "We're so proud of you."
Also recognized at the ceremony were Dr. Susan Malone from Anne Arundel County and Christi Ray from Cecil County, who coached the teachers through the certification process.
Previously National Board-certified teachers in Kent County Public Schools are Joseph Evans of Kent County High School and Gillian Spero, principal of Rock Hall Elementary School.
Spero was also recognized at the ceremony for achieving her Maintenance of Certification this year.
Hushion said the additional six National Board-certified teachers have set a new standard for the school system.
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future has placed an emphasis on teacher receiving their National Board Certification. National Board Certification is part of the Blueprint's second pillar: High-Quality and Diverse Teachers and Leaders.
Teachers receiving their National Board Certification become eligible through the Blueprint's career ladder for leadership roles in schools.
Posted Feb. 19, 2025