Congratulations to Alaina Taylor, fifth grade teacher at Hayfield Elementary, for her National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Alaina joins Stella Centanni, second grade teacher, who received her national board certification in 2009 and recertified in 2019 and Andrea Trumbull, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, who received her national board certification in 2013.

National Board Certification requires that teachers compile and submit a portfolio documenting their high quality instruction, ability to differentiate, and a demonstration of how their practices continue to align with the five core propositions of accomplished teaching in their certificate area. The Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement provides free professional development and support through the academy course program to those teachers renewing certification or seeking initial certification.

Over the course of the program in FCPS, more than 500 teachers have achieved NBPTS certification. Currently, FCPS is ranked first in the state of Virginia with a total of 313 active National Board-certified teachers, placing Fairfax County in the top 30 school districts nationwide.  Seventy-five percent of National Board Certified teachers work directly with students while others have moved into leadership roles throughout the division.