Middle School Special Education Teachers Rachel Fridholm and Liz Retell both recently received exciting news. After two years of hard work and dedication, the pair learned that they have earned their prestigious National Board Certification.

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

Fridholm and Retell earned the profession’s highest mark of achievement through a rigorous, performance-based, peer-review process, demonstrating their proven impact on student learning and achievement.

This year, there were 3,831 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), who are helping students reach their highest potential in 2,914 schools across 46 states.

There are currently 2,115 NBCTs in New York state, including five in our district. Five more teachers in our district are currently in the process of working toward their certification.