Boasting a total of 59 National Board Certified employees in the district, Dysart Schools had two staff members earn their National Board Certified Teachers certifications this year, and three renewed their certification.

National certifications are the highest and most rigorous credentials that can be earned for various professions across the U.S. for teachers, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists and behavior analysts, and are overseen by their respective organizations.

Dysart staff who received National Board certification for the first time include:

• Amanda Broderick, music teacher at Willow Canyon High School
• Krista Rust, math coach at Kingswood Elementary School

Dysart staff that renewed their certification include:

• Elpida Fountas, school psychologist at Countryside Elementary School
• Lauren Kimbell, school psychologist at Asante Preparatory Academy
• Anamaria Regalado, school psychologist at Luke Elementary School

“We are so proud of our staff members who have chosen to take their education to the next level through National Board Certification,” Superintendent John Croteau said. “They exemplify the many great employees that serve our A-rated district each and every day.”

The teachers that earned their certification were recently recognized by the Arizona K12 Center with a special felt pennant delivery in celebration of their achievement through the National Board Certified Teacher program.

Dysart awards all staff members who have earned National Board Certification a stipend equal to 5% of their base salary to honor the hard work and dedication it took to reach this achievement. Additionally, Dysart supports staff members interested in earning the certification by arranging cohort meetings and substitute coverage for two professional days for preparation.

National Board programs are managed by various industry-specific organizations, including the following: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; National Board of Certification of School Nurses; National School Psychology Certification Board; Behavior Analyst Certification Board; and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.