OREGON – The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board) recently selected Oregon High School mathematics teacher Danyel Larsen to join the organization’s standard setting panel for Adolescent and Young Adult Mathematics Certification.
Larsen will help develop performance standards and certification assessments for teachers seeking National Board certification in Mathematics as a member of the panel. National Board standard setting panels each consist of 6-8 members from across the country, most of whom are practicing Board-certified teachers. The National Board’s 25 certificate areas are each represented by a standard setting panel responsible for regular updates and revisions to certification criteria.
Larsen, who became Board-certified in 2009, continued to volunteer her time with the organization after earning her certification. She’s spent the past two summers scoring applications for certification and last year was part of a pilot program to revise the National Board’s Component 4 Mathematics standards. Larsen also submitted pilot entries for Components 1 and 3 to help create baseline applications for the program.
Applicants are required to submit General Portfolios consisting of four Components to earn certification from the National Board.
In addition to lending her expertise to the organization itself, Larsen is committed to helping her Oregon colleagues earn their certificates. She has previously helped ten Oregon teachers earn Board Certification in English, World Languages, Literacy and Art and is currently mentoring five more to achieve certification in Math, Literacy and Music.
“Danyel’s persistence and steadfast approach to improving the quality of education throughout the district is an invaluable asset to all of us here in Oregon,” said OCUSD Superintendent Tom Mahoney. “The district is fortunate to have teachers like Danyel, and many like her, who are truly devoted to delivering the best possible education to our students.”
National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. The National Board certifies teachers who successfully complete its rigorous certification process which was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Research has shown that students of Board-certified teachers learn more than students in other classrooms, which is why many states and districts offer incentives for teachers to pursue Board certification.
For more information, visit www.nbpts.org.
