Seven Island teachers complete professional certification
Published 10:09 am Tuesday, September 30, 2014
A cohort of seven Mercer Island teachers recently completed their ProTeach Portfolio certification. Arlene Azose, Katie McDavid, Emily Temple, Nova Williams, Becky Mulvain, Stephanie McDonnell and Sherry Isaacs each completed the professional certification required of all Washington state teachers.
Teachers must first earn a residency certificate by completing a bachelor’s or higher degree from any regionally accredited college or university and a state-approved teacher preparation program. They must then earn a professional certificate within five years, with a possibility of a two-year extension, either by earning certification through the ProTeach Portfolio or an advanced teaching credential through National Board Certification.
“What is different about this group of seven teachers, including myself, is that we approached our certification as a cohort, creating a new and successful model within the Mercer Island School District that provides better support for teachers,” said Williams. “Every teacher who participated fully in the cohort received the certification and 11 more teachers will use this model during the 2014-15 school year.”
The ProTeach Portfolio is an evidence-based assessment designed for teachers seeking the Washington professional certificate. It evaluates teachers on their ability to impact student learning based on three standards: effective teaching, professional development and professional contributions.
“The ProTeach Portfolio has changed considerably to be a much more intensive process of reflecting on yourself as an educator and enhancing your practice,” said Mercer Island School District executive director of learning and technology services Jennifer Wright. “It is a rigorous and challenging process that demonstrates improvement in an instructor’s practice as well as the growth of students over time.”
