RIDGEFIELD – Four educators from the Ridgefield School District recently earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This achievement signifies the successful completion of a rigorous program dedicated to refining teaching techniques and methodologies that enhance students’ enthusiasm for learning.
National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. Only about 40 percent of educators earn the certification on their first attempt, but participating in a support cohort increases the rate of success. Ridgefield schools now have 32 National Board Certified teachers.
The four teachers recently certified are: Tessa Johnson, exceptional needs teacher at Ridgefield High School, Evonne Joseph, math teacher at Ridgefield High School, Katherine Stephens, social studies teacher at View Ridge Middle School, and Amanda Thornton, third grade teacher at South Ridge Elementary School.
Ridgefield had seven currently certified teachers renew their certification through the Maintenance of Certification process: Erika Muir, teacher on special assignment at Sunset Ridge Intermediate and View Ridge Middle schools; Matt Whitton, professional development teacher on special assignment; Michelle Hankins, art teacher at View Ridge Middle School; Sheila Davis, STEM teacher at View Ridge Middle School; Sara Marshall, first grade teacher at South Ridge Elementary School; Janelle Fey, history teacher at View Ridge Middle School; and Courtney Thompson, performing arts teacher at View Ridge Middle School.
