MADISON – Twenty-five more educators in Madison have earned the title of National Board Certified Teacher or NBCT.

Madison City Schools produced the most, new NBCTs this year among Alabama school districts. The district recognizes the value in NBCT and remains committed to support teachers who decide to pursue the distinction, Dr. Heather Donaldson, MCS Chief Academic Officer, said.

Madison Board of Education honored educators who attained NBCT status at its Jan. 11 meeting. “We have the best kids, but we also have the best teachers. These represent the best of the best,” MCS Superintendent Robby Parker said.

The Madison district now has 44 educators with NBCT credentials. “An additional two were recertified. Another 26 are currently in the process of attaining NBCT status,” MCS Public Relations Manager John S. Peck said.

Madison’s new and recertified NBCTs are Gina Ashley, Beth Bero, Michelle Breeden, Daniel Elegante, Amanda Evans, Rachel Gibbs, Jane Haithcock, Sharon Harris, Cindy Huskey, Ambra Johnson, Jodi Jones, Karen Jump, Missy King, Megan Kuenzli, Robin Lakso, Susan Maynard, Stephanie Nguyen, Tabitha Odom, Brandy Panagos, Amy Protos, Deborah Scott, Leslie Sedberry, Jackie Smith, Natalie Smoak, Lisa Synder, Wendy Tibbs and Adrian Wells.

Approximately 161 educators in Alabama, including the 25 latest ones from Madison, achieved their certification in 2017 for a statewide total of 2,568. These stats place Alabama in tenth place nationwide for new NBCTs and for percentage of certifications.

“National Board Certification is considerably the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education,” Peck said. “It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.”

Alabama provides an annual salary supplement of $5,000 to an educator who completes NBCT certification.

For more information, email Dr. LaTonya Barnes at lbarnes@alsde.edu.