Fourteen Kirkland Teachers Earn National Certification

Fourteen Kirkland teachers were among 30 from the Lake Washington School District to achieve certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

National board certification is considered the highest level of professional credentials a teacher can obtain, and there are now 170 full-time teachers in the district to achieve it.

"All of us benefit when teachers achieve National Board Certification, as these teachers share their knowledge and expertise with those around them," district superintendent Chip Kimball said in a press release. "Congratulations to all 30 of our teachers who have achieved this prestigious credential."

Certification is earned through a rigorous assessment that requires teachers to demonstrate how their work improves student success by submitting a portfolio of student work samples, assignments, videotapes and an analysis of classroom teaching. The process usually takes more than a year.

The 30 who gained the honor earlier this month are Eric Lucke (science) and Ronald Maier (music) of Finn Hill Junior High; Mark Elliott (social studies/history) and Maria-Alicia Fetzer Robertson (world languages) of International Community School; Ines Bergman (counseling), Stephen Deligan (social studies/history); Jennifer Harris (career and technical education); and Paul Peretti of Juanita High.

Kristen Thom (math) of Kamiakin Junior High; Donna Allee (exceptional needs specialist) of Lakeview Elementary; Lisa VanEnkevort (reading/language arts) of Sandburg Elementary; Lael Camacho (reading/language arts) of Franklin Elementary; Elizabeth Rushing (generalist) of Thoreau Elementary and Kelly Luiten (reading/language arts) of Twain Elementary.