MADISON – An increasing number of educators in Madison City Schools have committed to the next step professionally to reach the status of National Board Certified Teacher or NBCT.

National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. NBCT status is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about teacher skills. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Dr. Heather Donaldson, MCS Chief Academic Officer, said the new influx of teachers reaching NBCT “is only possible because of the countless hours spent by our dedicated teachers in addition to a phenomenal support network.”

Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols congratulated the new NBCTs, saying they represent the “best of the best” in Madison City Schools. “It is a rigorous, challenging and component-filled process that takes dedication and time. We are proud of you for your dedication.”

“The latest additions raise the school district’s total of NBCTs to 99,” Nichols said. “I congratulate the following new NBCTs”:

* Sarah Baker – Art teacher at Liberty Middle School.

* Stacy Branson – First-grade teacher at Heritage Elementary School.

* Kristen Brown – Science teacher at Liberty.

* Amy Carter — Kindergarten teacher at Heritage.

* Neil Clement — English teacher at James Clemens High School.

* Heather Courtney — Human Services, Education Pathway and Child Development teacher at James Clemens.

* Megan Gowan – Second-grade teacher at Heritage.

* Missy Swindell King – Library Media Specialist at James Clemens.

* Sarah Pepper – Eighth-grade EL (English Language) teacher at Liberty.

* Jamie Ratcliffe – School Counselor at Heritage.

* Jeanne Simpson – Seventh-grade math and honors algebra teacher at Liberty.

* Kristen Steele — Chemistry teacher at James Clemens.

* Marissa Weir – Lead teacher at Madison City First Class Pre-Kindergarten Center.

* Molly Wright – First-grade teacher at Horizon Elementary School.

Nichols also congratulated Madison NBCTs who renewed: Sara Baragona, Nicole Coker, Kylie Dunkerley, Rachel Gibbs, Sharon Harris, Lisa Kiss, Amber McMillin, Amber Merrill, Alicia Mulloy, Noel Newquist, Patrice O’Donnell, Amy Patel, Jessica Pinegar, Jackie Smith (Robinson), Natalie Smoak, Lisa Snyder, Tosha Swearingen, Teresa Tarter, Liz Vaughn, Rebecca Wilson and Megan Kunzli.