National Board Conversations

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer DiGioia, a dedicated educator with 22 years of experience, as she shares her journey to achieving National Board Certification. Jennifer opens up about the challenges she faced, the support she found in unexpected places, and the impact the process has had on her teaching. Discover the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and collaboration in this insightful episode.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tan-A Hoffman, an Anishinaabe language and culture teacher from Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  Tan-A shares her passion for Indigenous education, her journey to becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, and her advocacy for culturally responsive teaching.In this episode, you'll hear about:The importance of Indigenous languages: Tan-A discusses the vital role language plays in Indigenous sovereignty and how schools can support language revitalization efforts.Bringing Indigenous knowledge to life:  Discover how Tan-A incorporates land-based learning and traditional practices into her classroom, from processing manoomin (wild rice) to learning about treaty rights.The impact of National Board Certification:  Tan-A reflects on her National Board journey and how it has opened doors for leadership and mentorship.Advice for culturally responsive teaching:  Gain valuable insights on how to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.Plus, don't miss Tan-A's heartwarming story about learning from elders and her powerful message about the importance of representation in education.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about creating a more equitable and just education system.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Noraa Ransey, a National Board Certified Teacher with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. Noraa shares her journey as an educator, the challenges and rewards she's encountered, and her unwavering commitment to her students and public education.In this episode, you'll learn about:Noraa's passion for teaching and her dedication to professional development.Her involvement in various leadership roles, including SBDM Minority Representative, KEA Executive Council, and Teacher Leader of the Kentucky Education Commissioner's Teacher Advisory Council.Her commitment to diversity and inclusion as the State Ethnic Minority Director.Her contributions to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as an NBCT Cadre member.Her insights on the future of education and the importance of technology in the classroom.

In this special National Board Conversations episode, host Edward Santiago sits down with Ricardo Calderon, an inspiring educator with a truly global perspective. Originally from Panama, Ricardo achieved National Board Certification in World Languages and has since taught in a variety of settings across the globe—from rural North Carolina to New York City, Panama, Oman, China, and currently Kuwait.In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Ricardo shares his journey, insights on teaching diverse student populations, and how being a National Board Certified Teacher has impacted his teaching practice in classrooms worldwide. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of working in international schools and how his experiences have shaped his philosophy of education.This episode is a must-listen for educators passionate about cultural diversity, global education, and the power of National Board Certification. Tune in to hear Ricardo’s story and his advice for educators who are seeking to make a lasting impact both locally and globally.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Toni Dixon-McFarland, a National Board Certified Teacher, published author, and 40+ Double Dutch Club member. Toni's diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to education and community service make her a true trailblazer.In this episode, we'll explore Toni's journey from her early work in child development to her current roles as an educator, life coach, and creative writer. Toni will share insights on the critical skills needed for effective teaching today and discuss the benefits and impact of her National Board Certification.We'll also explore Toni's literary pursuits, including the inspiration behind her debut novel, "Dead Confused," and the upcoming "Kuriously Krazy." Of course, we can't miss the chance to learn about Toni's involvement in the 40+ Double Dutch Club and how this unique activity fuels her passions.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education, personal growth, and the power of pursuing multiple passions.Books Mentioned:"Dead Confused" by Toni Dixon-McFarland: [Amazon]"Kuriously Krazy" by Toni Dixon-McFarland: [Amazon]Connect with Toni:Instagram: @7goldbutterfliesLearn more about National Board Certification:National Board for Professional Teaching StandardsFacebookTwitter

Candidate Conversations by the National Board is a chance to speak with educators who are currently on their National Board journey. Danielle Brown, NBCT, continues our school year-long journey with Keke Powell! She is a second-grade teacher in Texas and is super fun and engaging! In this episode, we catch up with Keke after submission and how she will be enjoying the summer. Don't miss out on all National Board related updates; follow us on social media to keep up!Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

In this inspiring episode, we sit with Joe Evans, a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent and Young Adult Science. Currently teaching AP Biology, Biology, and Forensics, Joe shares his powerful 28-year teaching journey marked by persistence, professional growth, and a relentless pursuit of accomplished practice.Joe initially sought National Board certification because he craved meaningful feedback on his skills while teaching in the smallest district in his state. Though he didn't pass on his first attempt, Joe didn't let that define him. He proudly keeps that notification letter to remind students that failure is part of the path to success.  After doubling down on his efforts, Joe achieved certification. Now at 64 years old and the sole NBCT in his district, he continues raising the bar - recently renewing through the Maintenance of Certification process and enrolling in a second Master's program. Tune in as Joe reflects on his winding career path, the impact of National Board certification on his evolution as an educator, and how he's leveraged his expertise to become a celebrated role model and leader among colleagues. His story exemplifies the lifelong learning mindset at the heart of accomplished teaching.Whether you're an NBCT candidate or a fellow trailblazer in the profession, Joe's firsthand insights are sure to motivate and inspire you on your own journey. Don't miss this candid conversation!

This Teacher Appreciation Week, tune in for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Sonia Matthew, a National Board Certified Teacher and assistant principal. Drawing from her experience as an accomplished educator and instructional leader, Dr. Matthew will provide invaluable insights into fostering positive teacher morale. Learn her proven strategies for creating a supportive environment where teachers feel empowered, valued, and motivated to have maximum impact in the classroom.

Jennifer DiGioia is a veteran educator of 22 years, a lifelong learner, and a National Board candidate. She jumped on the chance to go through the National Board process when California offered to cover the fees. She has an unmatched passion for her students and wants to be the best educator. Listen to her story on this episode of National Board Conversations. Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

On this National Board Conversations episode, you hear from Kim Radostits, NBCT. She is the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year and has much to say about her time as an educator. She greatly advocates for the National Board process and has a special message for several other State Teachers of the Year! Be sure to follow her on Twitter @SrtaRadDon't miss out on all National Board related updates; follow us on social media to keep up!Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Katie McClain is a seasoned educator with six years of dedicated service in the esteemed Clark County School District, specializing in high school video production. She embraces the dynamic intersection of creativity and technology within the educational landscape, guiding my students through the intricacies of multimedia storytelling. She is a Career and Technical Education National Board candidate. In this episode of National Board Conversations, she talks about her journey to this point and gets into the intricacies of how she has been able to weave her first career in broadcast journalism with becoming a teacher on her way to achieving National Board Certification.Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Tune in to the latest episode of National Board Conversations as we sit down with Jeff Norris, NBCT, the 2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year! Jeff shares his journey, insights, and innovative teaching practices that earned him this prestigious recognition. Gain valuable inspiration and ideas for excellence in education from this dedicated educator! Don't miss out on all National Board related updates; follow us on social media to keep up!Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Candidate Conversations by the National Board is a chance to speak with educators who are currently on their National Board journey. Danielle Brown, NBCT, continues our school year-long journey with Keke Powell! She is a second-grade teacher in Texas and is super fun and engaging! In this episode, we catch up with Keke as the submission window opens and talk about how she plans to attack submitting the two components she is working on.Don't miss out on all National Board related updates; follow us on social media to keep up!Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Michelle Accardi is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Childhood through Young Adulthood/Exceptional Needs Specialist and the Senior Director Strategic Partnerships for the National Board. Before joining the staff of the National Board in 2011, she was an elementary school teacher at Albuquerque Public Schools. She achieved National Board certification in 2005 in Exceptional Needs and renewed it in 2015. Michelle worked in team-taught and self-contained classrooms, focusing on students with behavioral differences. In addition, she was active with the New Mexico NBCT Network. She enjoyed interacting with fellow teachers as a Candidate Support Provider and Dossier Assessor. Her work included consulting for several BIE Schools. Before working in education, she was a private-sector attorney. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in politics from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas. She earned her Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She is a Certified Non-Profit Executive.Follow us on social media Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

As Senior Manager of Standards, Dianna Minor leads the National Board work in overseeing the Standards Team’s critical functional areas, including project management, consultant management, event planning, and grant reporting. Additionally, Dianna coordinates the Certification Council, which is the arm of the Board of Directors with approval authority over the Standards and Assessment Department. She also works closely with the Assessment, Communications, Finance, and Candidate Experience Teams and with representatives from external stakeholder organizations. Minor is a renewed National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence, English Language Arts. Previously, she has worked in Alabama as an English/language arts teacher, literacy and ESL interventionist, curriculum specialist, and a college adjunct in curriculum and instruction at the University of Alabama (Birmingham). She is a graduate of the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa). She holds a master’s degree in English/language arts education, an Administrative/Instructional Leadership certification, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S) degree in English/language arts. Minor has served as a blogger for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and coached with the National Math & Science Initiative (NMSI), where she designed and developed content and eLearning experiences for educators nationwide. She has also served as an education consultant with Alabama’s A+ College Ready organization, where she developed curricula and trained educators in the latest-best practice teaching strategies. She has been active in the National Board communities, serving as a board member with Alabama’s NBCT Network, as National Board Core Connections Webinar facilitator, and as an educational consultant with the Alabama A & M University/University of Alabama at Huntsville Regional Inservice Center, where she facilitated professional development workshops and seminars asynchronously for educators pursuing National Board certification. In addition to being previously recognized as a district nominee for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year with Hoover City Schools, she was recognized as a 2020 Red Mountain Writing Fellow, an affiliate of the National Writing Project, and a 2021 TEDx Birmingham Education Fellow.Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Barry Thomas has been teaching English for 11 years at Young Oak Kim Academy Middle School in Los Angeles, California. He received his bachelor's degree in English Education at California State University Long Beach and his master's degree in Teaching Pedagogy, along with his teaching credential at USC. He obtained National Board Certification in December of 2021. He also served as English Department Chair for seven years and is mentoring two new teachers through his district's Teacher Growth Induction Program (TGI).Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Chad achieved National Board Certification in School Counseling with a specialization in Early Childhood Through Young Adulthood and presently works as an elementary school counselor in Montana. He has elementary education and Modern Languages certifications and as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana. He began his career teaching elementary school and junior high for several years. He also worked as a therapist for two years at the Center for Children and Families. At the center, he conducted group therapy, individual sessions, and trauma care, among other therapeutic services. As a school counselor, Chad specializes in differentiated behavioral interventions, trauma-informed care, suicidal response and prevention, and curriculum development and design. In addition to being an active member of local and state National Board Networks, Chad has worked with the American School Counseling Association National Model in developing comprehensive counseling programs. In 2022, Chad was selected as Montana’s School Counselor of the Year.Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

National Board Conversations hits the road! The Texas National Board Coalition for Teaching hosted the National Board Conversations team to perform a podcast in front of a live audience at their annual conference. The episode features a panel of speakers from Texas that discussed the growth of the National Board program in the state, the impact certification can have on students across Texas, and much more. On the podcast, you’ll hear from Lauren Smith and Kevin Criss, two educators who recently achieved in December 2023, Blanca Galvez-Perez and Damaris Guitierrez, two leaders in the Texas National Board network, and Dannette Key, a National Board candidate aiming to complete her journey and achieve certification in December 2025.

Dr. Dolores Cormier-Zenon is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 25 years in education. She served as President of ASCD (Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development), the co-founder/President of the PC2 Education Foundation, and founder/vice-chair of the National Board Network of Accomplished Minority Educators (NAME). Additionally, she serves as President of the Louisiana National Board Certified Teacher Network while supporting underprivileged students to achieve post-secondary academic success. Cormier-Zenon was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Distinguished Educator in 2004, significantly impacting change in challenging schools and districts to elevate their commitment to educators, families, and students' social-emotional and academic needs. Cormier-Zenon later earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2012 and continues to promote a focus on diverse topics that influence equity, advocacy, and policy, teacher leadership, professional practice, family engagement, and high-quality instruction that impacts the whole child. In response to COVID, she founded the WISE OWL Scholar Academy to challenge and support students in a safe and healthy environment. Dr. Zenon espouses the belief that “Every child, every zip code, no matter their circumstance.”Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

On this episode of National Board Conversations we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by speaking with Kathryn Logue, NBCT! We wanted to hear the perspective of a Native American NBCT, and that is what we did! She is the Special Services Director in Coulee Dam, Washington. Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards