The National Board Candidate Journey: Growth, Change, and Perseverance
Melody Ryser, Morgan Hunter, and Cara Carbone are three newly certified NBCTs at Lummi Nation School, a tribal compact school on the Lummi Reservation in Northwest Washington. They are also the first tribal school educators to certify in the state. All three teachers participated in a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) initiative to support tribal school educators pursuing National Board Certification, which provided financial assistance. Melody, a kindergarten teacher, and Morgan, a reading coach, were able to share their individual experiences on the National Board process.
The following is a Q&A with Melody and Morgan.
What challenges did you face while undertaking this rigorous program?
Melody: It’s incredibly hard to put my National Board Certification journey into words. I completed my components over three years, while changing teaching positions in my school, through pregnancy, maternity leave, and my daughter’s first year of life. I completed all four components in the first two years, but missed certification by only a few points. Three to be exact. I was incredibly disappointed and questioned myself as an educator. But someone reminded me that I didn’t fail. I came VERY close to certifying, and I could definitely gain those points if I tried again. With some encouragement from my colleagues, I began to make a plan to move forward and try again. I meticulously picked apart my feedback on each component and determined what areas I needed to improve upon. I even bought multiple books about early learning, and reread the common core state standards. I don’t even remember how I made time for all that reading while teaching full time with an infant at home, but I did. The last three years, as the May portfolio deadline loomed, I questioned myself, my lessons, and whether this journey had been a good decision. And ultimately my answer is YES. In the end, I certified, and I feel I am a better teacher for it.
Morgan: I’m a NBCT! What a surreal statement to write. As I reflect upon my National Board journey, I realize that the little voice telling my students to persevere has also been that same voice cheering me on, telling me I can do it. I started my journey three years ago with a six month old. Now, through all the ups and downs life threw at me, including giving birth to a second daughter and almost losing my husband, I too persevered and did it!
Were there any supports that helped you through the process?
Morgan: Surrounding myself with support was key to my success. Thankfully, the BIE helped financially with the National Board fees. And knowing how challenging it was going to be, they provided Susan Smith, a National Board facilitator, to support our cohort. Meeting with other educators, sharing ideas, and sifting through the rubrics and standards became invaluable to me. I spent many evenings, early mornings, and weekends at the local coffee shop where many of my colleagues joined and collaborated. I also joined a few social media support groups and even contacted an author of a National Board book for feedback. I could not have done it without the help of my husband looking after our children; he was my rock through it all.
Melody: When I decided to pursue National Board certification, I was initially drawn to the support provided by the BIE. They helped pay for the process, and they also set me up with Susan Smith. Her advice, time, and cohort meetings were invaluable to me. Connecting with other NB candidates and reading each other’s papers helped me to better analyze and explain my instructional decisions. I was also encouraged by the fact that there were other teachers in my building also pursuing their certifications. Since I began my journey, several of my colleagues have joined in the process. The support and collaboration that have come out of our shared experiences are valuable in their own, but the impact on the learning in the building is incredible, as we all become much more mindful and intentional in our teaching.
What are your key takeaways, and how will you use them to improve your teaching?
Melody: For me, that is exactly what National Board Certification has helped me to become: A reflective, intentional teacher. I have always felt that teaching came somewhat naturally to me. Taking teachable moments and making in the moment instructional decisions were some of my strengths. The National Board process, however, has caused me to critically analyze every single decision, especially those that were successful for my students. It feels silly to say, but the in depth analysis I did on only a few lessons has caused me to reflect on every lesson as if someone were watching. I am much more deliberate about how I adjust to student needs and in how I select activities to meet my objectives. I am also more aware of my long-term goals, and how each lesson builds toward those. Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher is not an easy process. I resubmitted two components, after reviewing feedback and knowing I could improve. And the beautiful thing is that I not only improved my scores to certify this year, my students have benefited the most from my learning: I have more tools in my teacher tool box to help with student needs.
Morgan: Navigating through the National Board standards, it became evident what they were looking for in regards to quality teaching. The challenges became portraying my teaching and decisions onto paper for someone who will never step into my classroom or know my students. Creating this snapshot of me as an educator and reflecting on why I make a million and one decisions, many on the fly, have not only been a couple of my biggest challenges, but have also become a few of the big takeaways from completing my National Board journey. The why I do what I do. The why is the reason I am a teacher, the heart and soul of teaching: to make a difference to our students. As I look back on the process and continue to make decisions, my why is always in the forefront as I strive to do what is best for our students. Knowing your students — who they are in the classroom, outside in their community, culture, and as individuals — is key. As a result of the National Board process, I continually reflect upon my teaching and make intentional decisions for the greater good of my students.
Do you have any advice for future candidates?
Morgan: If I could give my pre-National Board self any advice, it would be not to wait and do a little every day. There isn’t going to be a perfect time to start — life happens. Perseverance is a huge part of what motivates all National Board Certified Teachers. Even through adversity and the challenges life throws at you, it’s when you are the most uncomfortable and stressed that you grow, change, and persevere.
Melody: To anyone considering pursuing certification, it is worth it. I have learned so much and improved on my practice through it. If I were to give it advice, it would be to find a support group, whether through your district, Facebook, or a National Board facilitator, the group learning and perspective you can gain from other educators can make the process less daunting. Know that is possible, even if life throws you curve balls. Study your standards, and don’t be surprised if your first couple videos seem to go awry.
Both: Congratulations to all my fellow NBCTs! And good luck to those of you beginning or continuing this journey!
