Mathematics Teacher Earns National Board Certification

We are proud of our incredible educators in Avon Schools. One such teacher, Avon High School Mathematics Teacher Taryn Schmidt, recently distinguished herself as a master of her profession by earning National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

"Earning National Board Certification is a significant professional accomplishment, and I am so happy for Ms. Schmidt," said AHS Principal Matt Shockley. "This designation is one of the most respected in the field of education and requires many hours of self-reflection regarding your own teaching practices. This journey has stretched her professionally, and her students and our school will be direct beneficiaries."

I have no doubt that this process has made me a stronger teacher for my students. Taryn Schmidt

AHS Math Teacher David Robertson, also National Board Certified, put her accomplishment in context by noting that "Taryn will be the fifth [Math teacher] in Indiana to get this. Avon is now tied with Lafayette for the most National Board Math teachers in Indiana."

To discover how Taryn feels about her accomplishment, we conducted an email interview. The following has been edited lightly.

Can you describe the certification?

I received my Mathematics—Adolescent and Young Adulthood certification (ages 14 and up). It required that I earned a qualifying score on a content knowledge test and three portfolios. The portfolios required me to analyze how I differentiate my instruction, my teaching practice, and learning environment in the classroom (through videotaped lessons). [I also analyzed] my role as a member of the profession as a whole.

What drove you to pursue it?

I initially investigated certification because it was suggested to me by David Robertson, who I knew professionally prior to him joining the AHS staff. He is also a NBCT and encouraged me to seek certification. After researching the process, I felt it would give me a great opportunity to grow as a teacher and give me a framework to examine my teaching in a way I hadn't since college.

What does this mean for you professionally?

Through the portfolio process I gained a lot of confidence in identifying strengths that I have in the classroom. More importantly, it also helped me identify areas in which I still have room for growth. By looking at my teaching through a different lens, I have become more intentional and systematic about the pedagogical decisions I make on a daily basis. 

How will this impact your students? Your colleagues?

I have no doubt that this process has made me a stronger teacher for my students. I also hope my certification will encourage my colleagues to consider investing in the process as well. I initially hesitated because the whole process seemed very intimidating. However, after digging in, I found it to be manageable. It was some of the most rewarding professional development I have experienced.

What's next?

Next, I want to start planning my application for the Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program. In a few years, I will start working towards the maintenance of my national board certification.

Congratulations, Taryn. Thank you for investing in your students and colleagues!