Social Studies Teacher Earns Prestigious National Board Certification

By: Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Assistant Principal for Instruction

Another Dutch Fork High School teacher joins the ranks as a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certified teacher. Mr. Steve Fisher (Social Studies Teacher) has successfully earned national board certification. We commend Mr. Fisher on his achievement and thank him for his hard work and commitment to the students of Dutch Fork High. "Quality teachers truly make a difference in the lives of students each and every day, and we are fortunate to have so many extremely talented and dedicated teachers like Mr. Fisher to work with our students (Gregg Morton, Principal)."

The certification process is based on high and rigorous a standards that evaluate teaching practice through performance-based assessments; the ultimate result is improved performance and achievement for Dutch Fork's students. The assessment process for National Board Certification requires candidates to complete two major components: a portfolio of classroom practice including samples of student work and videotapes of teacher instruction, and an assessment of content knowledge administered at a computer-based testing center. It is estimated that the process will take the better part of a school year and involve a total of 200-400 hours of work outside of the classroom.

Nearly 500 South Carolina teachers earned a national certification this year, according to data released Wednesday by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Currently, Dutch Fork High has fifty-one teachers who have earned national board certification. South Carolina again ranks third nationwide in National Board Certified teachers, with the 498 newly certified bringing the total to 7,784, behind only North Carolina and Florida. Last year, 798 teachers statewide earned the certification.