Lake Chelan School District celebrates 21 board certified teachers

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan School District announced that 21 of its educators have achieved National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession.

The district also reported six additional teachers are currently pursuing certification, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to educational advancement in this rural Washington community of approximately 1,300 students.

The certified teachers are Ken Barnes, Cindy Bertomeu, Steve Bovingdon, Brandon Boyd, Carolyn Burdick, Steve Burdick, Kayli Crosby, Jessica Dumont, Amber Finch, Paula Fitzpatrick, Heather Fox, Kim Green, Amanda Mattingly, Cathy Morris, Kristin Nelson, Meghan Perry, Jenifer Rainville, Marty Rothlisberger, Sarah Sanderson, April Slagle, and Shelly Stamps.

Teachers currently pursuing certification include Mayte Castillo, Melissa Collins, Mary Green, Jess Poland, Rob Rainville, and Sarah Todd.

National Board Certification requires educators to undergo a rigorous voluntary assessment process, including submission of teaching portfolios, classroom videos, and written reflections, along with comprehensive evaluations of their content knowledge and teaching practices. Teachers must renew their certification every five years to maintain their status.

"These teachers represent the pinnacle of professionalism and dedication in education. Their commitment to excellence profoundly impacts our students, fostering a learning environment where every student can thrive," said Superintendent Brad Wilson in a written statement.

The certification program has shown measurable impact on student achievement, according to the district. Research indicates students of National Board Certified Teachers consistently achieve stronger academic outcomes through innovative teaching strategies and differentiated instruction methods.

The certification process is overseen by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and is widely recognized as the gold standard in teaching excellence.

The Lake Chelan School District, established in 1892, has demonstrated strong academic performance, with a 97% four-year graduation rate. More than half of its high school students are enrolled in no-cost, college-level coursework, according to data from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The district serves the Lake Chelan community from its headquarters at 309 E. Johnson Ave., operating with a focused mission to provide comprehensive education to its student population.