Thomas Paine Teacher Earns National Board Certification

Thomas Paine second grade teacher Kari Surratt has earned a designation as a National Board Certified Teacher. Surrat’s certificate area is Early Childhood Generalist.

Surratt has been teaching for nine years, the last five at Thomas Paine Elementary.

“The National Board process has enhanced my teaching by reminding me how important it is to truly know my students, the whole student, not just what they can do academically,” Surratt said. “I am much better able to teach the students I have a strong connection with than strangers. By knowing the whole student I can relate academics to them which makes them want to learn even more.”

National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

“National Board also reminds teachers how important the assessment process is. Assessments are to know where our students are and what we as educators need to do to encourage students to move forward. The National Board process also showed me that I am being a successful teacher and will encourage me to take on more leadership roles in my school and district. Going through the national board process really is the best professional development that an individual teacher can do.”