District One teachers receive National Board Certification

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Anderson School District One has three new National Board Certified Teachers They are Addy McConomy, Jessica Thomas and Melissa Tollison.

Addy McConomy is a special education teacher at Palmetto High School. She holds a BS in Special Education from the University of South Florida. This is her fifth year as a teacher.

McConomy said of the process, “Achieving National Board Certification was a professional goal I set when I began my teaching career. I am very grateful to work in Anderson School District One, where I have been given opportunities to grow as an educator and earn the National Board Certification. I know that the guidance and leadership I have received in ASD1 supported me in reaching this goal. I am excited to continue my teaching career and look forward to applying the skills I gained from the NBCT process to my classroom.”

Fifth grade math and social studies teacher Jessica Thomas also earned the award. She is in her sixth year at Powdersville Elementary. Thomas received her Bachelor of Science from Newberry College in 2007 and her Masters of Education from Southern Wesleyan University in 2009.

Thomas, said, “Going through the National Board process has truly opened my eyes about my own teaching. It allowed me to evaluate my teaching through a different ‘set of eyes,’ and to challenge what I currently practice in my classroom. Without a doubt, it has made me a better teacher. I am honored to be a National Board Certified Teacher!”

Melissa Tollison is a fourth grade teacher at Powdersville Elementary School. This is her seventh year at Powdersville where she teaches math and social studies. She is native of the Powdersville area and a Wren High School graduate. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Anderson University.

“National Board was a rigorous process that made me a more reflective and effective teacher.  I feel blessed to have this experience and to be selected as a National Board Teacher”, Ms. Tollison shared upon receiving her award.

Jane Harrison Director of Elementary Education said, “These ladies are most deserving of this coveted award. They have a heart for students and for teaching. They are teacher leaders in their schools and in the district.”

“I am proud of all three ladies. They are very committed to the teaching field and providing quality instruction for our students. The reflective practice teachers go through while attempting National Board is often the key to creating stronger, more effective teachers,” stated Dr. Wayne Fowler, Anderson One Superintendent.

Teachers seeking National Board Certification undertake a two-part process that takes from one to three years to complete. The process requires candidates to reflect on their own classroom practices, understanding of subject material and preparation techniques. 

In addition to preparing a portfolio with video recordings of classroom teaching, lesson plans, student work samples and reflective essays, teachers must complete assessment center exercises based on content knowledge that prove they have mastered the subjects they teach and met the high standards for accomplished teaching.

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