Last Tuesdav was a noteworth) occasion for the Public Schools of Robeson County in general and 22 of our teachers in particular. It was on that dav that those 22 teachers were guests at a reception saluting them for hav ing received National Board Certification. For those unfamiliar with that designation. let me explain its importance. After a person receives a degree in education, they must then go through a certification process b> w hich the State of North Carolina is assured that the person is qualified to teach in the state. Following receipt of that certification, the person is then allowed to teach our young people. Other states, likewise, have certification procedures in effect for their states manv of whom have reciprocal agreements allowing a teacher properl) certified to teach in this state to teach in those states. For that to happen, though, a North Carolina teacher has to provide transcripts to that state proving that the teacher has fulfilled all the requirements of that state. In 1996. though, a program came along which provided the possibilit> of changing things. It was called National Board Certification and it provided the potential of certify ing a teacher to teach in any state without any further checking of that teacher's transcripts or records. If the teacher could pass the rigorous - test which had to be taken to obtain National Board Certification, then that teacher was assured of being able to teach any where else in the country . While, understandably. it would not be an easy procedure. it would not only allow the teacher more flexibility in being able to relocate to a teaching position in another state more easily, if desired, it also provided a finan cial advantage in that a teacher who earns such certification is also assured of a 12% increase in salary each year for ten years. Melissa Oxendine. a 3rd gradt teacher at Union Chapel, learned about the program at a workshop 2 years agn. and recognising its benefits. immediately went to work putting together the required portfolio and video that went with thr application. As a trailbla/er amon. PSRC teachers trying for National Board Certification, she also was successful in becoming our first teacher to attain that recognition. Subsequently, numerous other teachers have been encouraged to also make the effort. The 22 who were recognized on Tuesday, are in the vanguard of teachers who are working towards that same goal. Their success has resulted in many more making the effort, and. as time goes by and more make the effort, we can expect an increasing number of teachers to be successful. In the meantime, both successful teachers and the sy stem benefit. The video and portfolio, required by the application, give the teachers the opportunity to scrutinize themselves with regards to their strengths and weaknesses in the classroom. Thus, they have the potential to serve as a method selfevaluation which can be used for self-improvement and which, ultimately, results in stronger teachers whether or not they're successful in obtaining National Board C ertification Hopefully, the success of the 22 will continue to encourage others to make the effort hile it takes alot of hard work and study, the rewards certainly make it ssorthwhile. 1 FREE THINGS TO SEND FOR (NAPS)?For personalized attention to cleaning problems, email Whirlpool's Doctor of Refrigeratorology at doctorSwhirlpool com through Nov .'10.1999. For information about Holiday Inn's Y2K OK Program, call 1800-272-9273 or visit the website at www.priorityclub.com. For information about custommade window treatments, call Smith+Noble at (800) 765-7776. 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The Carolina Indian Voice Published each Thursday in Pembroke, N.C. by First American Publications The first issue of The Carolina Indian Voice was published on January 17, 1973 by then editor, owner and founder, Bruce Barton with a $500 personal loan. I k So PC&cc tyotu rtcC On 7.State (?ad 521-2X26 01 come vtf (Ac (?aiotina incLia?i "? ' (?otCcofC 'Pfa~a. PctftA -o^c 4811 Fayetteville Rd. (910) 739-3323 Lumberton. MC 28358 0FIQMC1IUC Y CAR6C NI R. John I. Adams, O.D. Katherine S. Harris, O.D. Charles L. Clark, O.D. Carolyn Marks, Licensed Optician Family Practice and Contact Lenses "e^Medicine Shopped David Hester, R.Ph. 102 N. Patterson St. Maxton, NC 28364 On the comer of Patterson and Martin Luther King (910) 844-3100 The Pharmacy That's All About Your Health5" BAD, BAD CREDIT? Credit Problems? Bad Credit Record? I can help you... Call SMITH SPECIALTIES 803-494-4477 IPurnell Swett Sales Associate Onjup^j Dorothy Esse) & Associates 113 South Hwc Street Southport. 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