I knew I wanted to pursue National Board Certification (NBC) the second I knew it existed. I have lived my life with the intent to continuously perform excellence in what I do, to contribute to social transformation by being a servant-leader, and to always continue on the path of learning. To me, pursuing NBC was the perfect example of excellence, service and learning. I wanted to be part of it. There was no question.

Before I began the process, I had a conversation I had with a fellow educator (a ‘veteran’ with over 30 years of experience). She told me, “You spend so much time preparing for your class, those kids don’t even understand much.”

I wanted to tell her that while my students with special needs may take much longer to reach the academic achievements of a typically developing child, they are still very much capable of learning. I wanted to tell her how one student could read already read leveled reader books even though he started the year not being able to read any words. I could have told her about how my other student now used two-word phrases to communicate his needs, in spite of spending the first few months of school very quiet. She might have been interested to know how another student could already add and subtract when just some time ago she struggled counting to ten. I wanted to go on and on about how much my students have learned but I did not. Instead, I quietly pursued NBC as my way of showing that my students are rock stars and can do anything.

The Madness Begins

To say that the journey to NBC was rigorous and challenging is an understatement. I spent countless hours planning and reflecting on how I can make my students’ learning experience better. I don’t know how long it took for me to go over and over my entries. Studying my videos made me look at what else I can do to ensure that what I planned on paper is being translated into the lesson and into my students’ understanding. The videos also made me realize that I needed to dress better and to spend more than a minute combing my hair. There was a scene where I reached for a material and my belly showed…goodness, it was painful to watch. But I digress.

I have been an educator for almost ten years and my NBC journey validated what I’ve always done in my classroom and taught me many new things along the way. The process reaffirmed that the integration of arts and technology make the learning experience richer. It reaffirmed that demanding high expectations from my students and myself make all the difference.

I have learned the difference between using data to inform, and not drive, my instruction. I have learned and seen how valuable the inclusion of families and communities are to a child’s education. Even ‘simple’ changes to my instruction bridged the gap between a student’s confusion and understanding. The NBC process reminded me that despite your elaborate lesson plans, the only thing that matters is if it had an impact on student learning.

It took months to learn whether I certified or not. I had some moments where I panicked whether I had placed the correct video in the correct envelope. After mailing the box, I saw something on my desk that I felt should have gone into the box. Hence, I prepared myself for bad news. I really think that waiting for the results was so much more stressful than accomplishing the ten entries.

The day before the results were to be released I bought myself the new iPhone. I figured that I deserved it no matter the results were (that was my excuse). Tinkering with it definitely helped distract me while waiting for the results to be posted. The results were delayed for two days, adding extra stress and frustration to all the candidates. When the results were finally posted, I was so stressed that my back hurt so much I could not straighten it.

Finally, I received the happy news that I was a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). After a prayer of thanksgiving, I shared with family and friends the news (I got them as stressed as I was!). I am happy to be an NBCT, but my journey to becoming the best teacher I can be does not end here. I see more schooling and professional development in my future. I have so much more work to do.

The Journey From Here

Since becoming an NBCT, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the White House and take part in roundtable discussions on education issues with other newly minted NBCTs. At least three people in my school have expressed their desire to go through the NBC process, too. You can bet that I will be giving them all the support and encouragement that they will need.

It is about that time again to apply for the 2012 NBC cycle. I would say to anyone who is still thinking about it to just go for it. I’m sure you have heard that the NBC process is one of the best professional development you’ll ever have. It truly is. You’ll will find a lot of support in your journey. If you reach out to an NBCT, you’ll see that most will be happy to give you the guidance and support you will need. They’ll do this because many did the same for them when they were on their own journey. I’d say to advanced candidates to hang in there and keep on going. This process will be worth it.

In my case, I had a wonderful mentor who spent her Saturdays and some weekdays at Panera going over my entries with me. The paraprofessional and dedicated assistant in my classroom gave me valuable input and encouragement. Colleagues and my students’ families collaborated with me and supported me in this endeavor. Friends and family were so understanding of my need to rant to them at times.

The school staff gave this to me as a gift when I passed – they said they wanted to give me something that lives and continues to grow.=)

Indeed, the NBC process was my way of showing that fellow educator and any other person who may have doubts that with the right teacher, any student, regardless of ability, background, or age, can learn – each and every time.

**To learn more about the National Board Certification process, visit this link here. Read more about the NBCT Class of 2011 here.