One of Project LEAP’s initiatives in the LEAP project is The Accomplished Teaching for Student Impact Post-Baccularate Certificate. This four-course series was designed by a team of four National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) for fellow teachers seeking initial National Board Certification (NBC). The NBCT team, who also serve as Professional Learning Facilitators for the National Board candidate support program at HCPSS, spent a year developing the program with the support of HCPSS and TU staff.
The NBCT Team from left to right:
- Julia Vereen, Science Teacher at Lake Elkhorn Middle School
- Sara Hancock, Kindergarten Teacher at Lisbon Elementary School
- Jody Jankoski, HCPSS Library Media Resource Teacher
- Susan Shuster, Special Educator in the Office of Early Intervention Services (joined the team in January 2023)
The team expressed that developing the graduate coursework has been rewarding for their professional growth. Julia Vereen says, “Working through the design, plan, and implementation of this course has allowed me to grow in coaching teachers and adult learners through in-depth analysis and reflection of their practice. It’s not about giving the answers— it’s about guidance and questioning one’s own strategies and work with students.”
More than fifty teachers are currently enrolled since the program launched in Fall 2022 and due to demand, more cohorts are being added. Courses in the series are being offered in both virtual and hybrid formats to accommodate teachers’ schedules and learning preferences. Teachers who successfully complete the four-course series can apply the credits earned towards a Master’s degree at Towson University. Three NBCTs developing the program also served as instructors in the first semester. “We are really leading students on a deep dive of the foundational concepts and processes involved in accomplished teaching,” says Jody Jankowski. “It has pushed me to get back to the basics in my own teaching and think about my own practice in light of the National Board’s core propositions and standards. I’m looking forward to continuing this work as we continue developing the future courses in this program.” Sue Schuster echoed the value of the process stating, “The National Board process is about self-reflection and improvement. Unlike other courses in which there may be right or wrong responses, this course is personal. The journey to becoming a reflective teacher has great reward both personally and professionally.”
The instructors report that engagement in the course content has been high. Sara Hancock shares, “Teaching these courses reinforced how dedicated and talented our teachers are. These teachers, both my fellow instructors and the students in the class, engage in the highest level of conversation about student learning and effective teaching practices. Each person cares deeply about their students and each other. It’s a joy to work with each and every person.”
If you want to learn more or have questions about applying to the program, contact projectleap@towson.edu.