Linda Brem of Fayette County

High School was the first teacher in the school system to earn national

certification in 1999. She says she is pleased to see other teachers going

through the process to help improve their own professional capacity and

help their students.

"I am extremely pleased

that we have increased the number of National Board certified teachers

in Fayette County," Brem said. "To me National Board certification

represents a reform movement in education lead and monitored by educators."

Last year in the school system,

24 teachers went through the process ­ the largest group to date

to apply for certification. Only eight of those teachers were not awarded

national certification, for a first time pass rate of almost 70 percent

compared to the national estimate of 50 percent. Terri Gaspierik, coordinator

of staff development, credits the school system's National Board certification

support system as having a direct impact on the county's above average

pass rate.

Each year, a meeting is conducted

to inform teachers about what is involved in obtaining certification.

Throughout the year, teacher leaders, those who have already earned their

certification, meet with National Board candidates to provide guidance

and support throughout the process. Also, as required by the state, the

system gives teachers two days of duty leave to work on certification

activities.

"This program is extremely

difficult and rigorous," Gaspierik said. "It is important that

candidates have a support system. A teacher in isolation will have a hard

time passing."

As more teachers in Fayette

become nationally certified, Gaspierik said the goal is to have them become

teacher leaders for specific certification areas. For example, a teacher

whose area is high school English could work only with candidates who

are seeking certification in that subject matter.

Gaspierik added that some teachers

view national certification as better than going