DISD

News release 

Three Danville Independent School District (DISD) teachers are among 316 Kentucky teachers to receive National Board Certification this year from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Board certification is considered the highest mark of accomplishment in the profession. To obtain certification, teachers must demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills necessary to prepare students for 21st century success.

The three newly certified teachers are Helen Blevins (Mary G. Hogsett Elementary), Derek Otto (Danville High School) and Kristi Sigola (Edna L. Toliver Elementary).

“There is no higher honor or credential for a teacher than to be Nationally Board Certified,” said Superintendent Keith Look. “This certification signifies that the learning process will be deep, meaningful, and sustained for all students who come into contact with that teacher.

Research has shown that NBCTs have a significant impact on student achievement and that their students outperform their peers in other classrooms. Additionally, National Board Certified teachers (NBCT) have a substantial impact on their students long after they leave their classroom. According to a study published in the Economic Inquiry NBCT math teachers increase the lifetime income of their students by $48,000.

“It is my goal for the Danville Schools to be the state’s leader in the development and certification of nationally board certified teachers,” said Look.

To encourage teachers to earn National Board Certification DISD offers teachers a $500 yearly stipend in addition to the $2,000 annual salary supplement provided by the Kentucky Department of Education.

“For each of these who have earned the credential, they now have the responsibility to recruit and support others in the same pursuit,” said Look.

To date, more than 11 teachers in the Danville Independent School District have achieved the profession’s gold standard for accomplished teaching, based on standards — created by teachers, for teachers — that define what educators should know and be able to do to advance student learning.

Out of 11 certified teachers at DISD, teacher Suzanne Farmer is on leave from the district to serve as the Kentucky Director of the Network to Transform Teaching.