Stephanie Blackburn is working toward National Board Certification as a
Middle Childhood Generalist.
August 25, 2003
During the past two years, I have attended workshops explaining what the National
Board Certification process is about, spoken with others who had gone through
the process, and done some reading about the rigorous writing that would be required.
Last spring, I attended a pre-course for National Certification that further explained
the ins and outs of the process. Six other teachers and I from my building attended
the three-day course to learn what was entailed in the Board process. I was instantly
hooked! Soon after, I decided that, for my own professional gain, I would attempt
the certification process. I saw it as a journey of self-reflection and a validation
of what I do in my classroom on a daily basis. I knew that in order to improve
my teaching practices I needed to begin scrutinizing those practices and working
to improve the techniques I utilize in my classroom. I decided that the National
Board Certification process was the avenue to determine if I was doing the "right
things" in my teaching -- a validation I have been searching for for years.
As an extra incentive, I knew I would be doing it with colleagues who could provide
support. The venue for collaboration is set; now I am looking forward to sharing
our professional experiences.
Stephanie Blackburn,
one of Education World's 2002-2003 teacher diarists, received her bachelor's degree
in elementary education from the University of Rhode Island in May 1994. For the
first two years of her teaching career, Stephanie worked as an enrichment specialist
in the talent development program for the Westerly, Rhode Island, school district.
For the past seven years, she has taught fourth grade at Bradford
Elementary School in Westerly. Stephanie was awarded a 2002 National Educator
Award by the Milken Family Foundation, in a program that provides recognizes elementary
and secondary school teachers, principals, and other education professionals who
are furthering excellence in education.
Why
Am I Doing This?
Stephanie Blackburn,
one of Education World's 2002-2003 teacher diarists, received her bachelor's degree
in elementary education from the University of Rhode Island in May 1994. For the
first two years of her teaching career, Stephanie worked as an enrichment specialist
in the talent development program for the Westerly, Rhode Island, school district.
For the past seven years, she has taught fourth grade at 
