Educators from Northwest Early College High School in Canutillo ISD are among the best trained in all of the United States thanks to their successful completion of the National Board Certification process.
On December 1, Michelle Belli, NWECHS counselor, was notified that she earned her National Board Certification for School Counseling. There are only 11 counselors in the state of Texas to earn the certification; Ms. Belli will be the first counselor in the region to earn this certification.
In addition, the following teachers earned their National Board Certification: Catherine Tabor (math), Alisia Muir (English) and Berenice Sotelo (math). In all, Canutillo ISD has 10 of the 16 certified educators in Texas.
“The National Board Certification will help us further address the needs of students," said Northwest Principal Tracy Speaker Gerstheimer. “Northwest already offers rigorous and challenging coursework. Now, we will be able to supplement what we already do with research-based instruction that is of the highest caliber.”
National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced credential that goes beyond state licensure. Participants must meet national standards for what accomplished teachers and counselors should know and be able to do. The process is rigorous and takes one to two years to complete. Participation in the process provides experienced educators with an opportunity to hone their practice, showcase their knowledge and demonstrate their dedication to students.