WESTOVER, MD, February 2, 2024 – The Somerset County Board of Education recently recognized two Somerset County Public Schools’ (SCPS) educators for achieving National Board Certification through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Ms. Anna L. Breland, World Languages & Mass Communications Teacher of Crisfield Academy & High School and Mr. Zachary D. Bartemy, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering Teacher of Somerset County Technical High School were presented with honorary plaques in appreciation of district’s newest National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) at the January 31, 2024 meeting of the Somerset Board of Education. Previously, just one teacher from Somerset County Public Schools had achieved National Board Certification. Former SCPS classroom teacher and now an instructional supervisor, Ms. Tracie Schneider, maintained National Board Certification from 2007-2017.
National Board Certification is a professional accreditation for educators of distinction. Those earning certification are recognized as experts in their fields that seek continuous improvement through collaborative and reflective practices. An incentive program under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation was designed to attract and retain Nationally Board Certified teachers in Maryland; providing a $10,000 salary increase, and an additional $7,000 for teachers serving in a low-performing school.
To become certified, teachers must demonstrate competency, skill and serve in the capacity of their individual certificate area. The certification process encompasses a four (4) component evaluation of an educator’s content knowledge, differentiation in instruction, teaching practices & classroom environment, and processes for reflection & improvement. Teacher candidates from SCPS are supported in the NBCT process through fee reimbursement, application assistance, informational sessions and deadline reminders.
Anna Breland shared, “Earning National Board Certification has been by far the most rigorous and rewarding experience in my career; allowing me to reflect deeply on my teaching practice, acquire new skills, and improve my assessment strategies. This challenging process has led to building stronger relationships with my students, while creating a more stimulating and engaging learning environment and fostering a growth mindset by setting high standards.”
Zachary Bartemy shared, “I pursued the National Board Certification because I wanted to challenge myself to be a better teacher. National Board Certification recognizes and rewards your individual knowledge and efforts in a community of learning. It has prepared me for leadership roles—such as mentoring, leading professional development efforts, and advocating for policy changes—to advance my career while staying in the classroom.”
SCPS’ National Board Coordinator, Mrs. Chantal Russum shared, “Achieving NBC is quite the accomplishment, but to successfully complete the program within 1 year is exceptional. Zach and Anna will serve as role models for our county and for the remaining 6 teachers seeking NBC from our first cohort and the 8 new cohort members for the 23-24 school year.”
Somerset County Public Schools recently held the first meeting for the next cohort of SCPS educators pursuing certification in 2024. Candidates meeting the qualifications for all four components are issued certification by the National Board in December of each year.
(L-R) Chantal Russum, SCPS National Board Coordinator, Zachary Bartemy, National Board Certified Teacher, Anna Breland, National Board Certified Teacher, Dr. John Gaddis, Superintendent of Schools.
Somerset County Public Schools officials recently recognized newly Nationally Board Certified Teachers, Ms. Anna L. Breland, World Languages & Mass Communications Teacher of Crisfield Academy & High School and Mr. Zachary D. Bartemy, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering Teacher of Somerset County Technical High School at the January 31, 2024 Regular Open Meeting of the Somerset Board of Education.