23 teachers get National Board Certification
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
Twenty-three Hawai'i teachers received the highest credential in the teaching profession yesterday, but officials with the Hawai'i State Teacher's Association said because of reduced incentives in the current contract, fewer teachers are scheduled to apply for the distinction next year.
The 23 received the National Board Certification.
It is a year-long, voluntary process established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment.
Teachers document their subject matter, videotape their classroom sessions, take a daylong exam, and must keep a portfolio of their teaching highlights.
"National Board Certification is one of the most powerful professional development tools available in the teaching profession," said HSTA president Roger Takabayashi in a statement.
Board certification has been around since 1997, but Hawai'i did not have any board certified teachers until 1999, said Danielle Lum, a HSTA spokeswoman. Derek Minakami, a science teacher at Kailua High School, became the first certified Hawai'i teacher in 1999.
Lum said the process can be grueling.
"Many people who have undertaken the process have said it's the best professional development they have ever taken," she said. "It means you're the best of the best."
Yesterday's 23 certifications bring the total of Hawai'i board certified teachers to 48.
"It may be a high number but next year it's going to drop because the incentives to apply for the designation are not as good," Lum said.
In 2001, HSTA negotiated a contract that provided for the reimbursement of up to $2,500 of costs associated with the board certification process, and a $5,000 pay increase over a 10-year period. Under HSTA's current contract, the fee is still reimbursed, but the pay increase will be for only two years instead of 10.
Maria Hawkins, a 28-year-old Kaimiloa Elementary School teacher on maternity leave, was one of the 23 Hawai'i teachers who became board certified yesterday.
"It is an extremely challenging process, and extremely time consuming, but worth it," Hawkins said. "Every minute makes you reflect on your teaching and what you're doing in the classroom. It's definitely not something to take lightly."
Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8110.
