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The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) granted National Board Certification to two educators in the Hazelwood School District – Cynthia Cardwell of Lusher Elementary School and Carol Eubanks Riccardi of Hazelwood Central Middle School.

The 2010 class of National Board Certified Teachers includes more than 70 from Missouri educators. Across the state, 670 teachers have achieved National Board Certification status.

Cardwell, a librarian, has been teaching in the District for 26 years. She taught first grade for 18 years before becoming a librarian. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. I have loved children and wanted to help them since I was a child,” she said.

“I have always been an overachiever, and I want to be a life-time learner,” Cardwell continued. “I investigated the NBCT many years ago, but it was too expensive for me to pursue. When the state and Hazelwood offered funding, I decided I wanted to try and achieve National Board Certification, although I knew it would be a major undertaking.”

Riccardi, a graduate of Hazelwood Central High School, said she decided to pursue certification to “improve my teaching.”

“I feel called to be a teacher,” Riccardi said. “After 33 years in the profession, I do not want to do anything else but teach. I already have two master’s degrees and I know many educators pursue advanced administrative certification.”

Cardwell and Riccardi made it clear that earning certification is not a “one time exam.”

“You have to complete four portfolios and six exams,” said Cardwell. “The first year, all four portfolios have to be turned in by March and your six exams have to be completed in May or June. You don’t find out whether you passed until November. I did not pass the first or second year. The percentage of applications that pass the first year is small, and those who do are very lucky,” she said.

“There isn’t really a way one can prepare for the exam,” said Riccardi. “The exam is only one small component. The majority of the intense work takes place in the classroom.”

Each offers similar advice to anyone interested in National Board Certification.

“It is a lot of hard work, but it does make you reflect and evaluate your effectiveness on student achievement. Make sure you join a blog group and get a good advisor, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t pass the first time,” said Cardwell.

“First, I would encourage the teacher to look at the time commitment. It requires self-motivation because you must complete the components in the allotted time. Next, interested teachers should take the class and find a mentor who has already achieved National Board Certification. Finally, you should have supportive colleagues at your school to assist with the technical aspects,” said Riccardi.

“To achieve National Board Certification is so gratifying. It was an incredible challenge. It caused me to reflect on every aspect of my teaching. I believe I am a better teacher because of the process,” said Riccardi.

According to the NBPTS website, there are 16 teachers in the Hazelwood School District who have earned certification since 2003.

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