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Georgia NBCT Wins USDOE “American Stars of Teaching” Award

April 1, 2009

National Board Certified Teacher Elletta Denson, an instructional coach at Stonewall Tell Elementary School in College Park, Ga., is a 2008 recipient of the U.S. Department of Education’s American Stars of Teaching award.

This award recognizes and honors superior teachers with a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies, and making a difference in the lives of their students.

Denson was the first African-American to achieve National Board Certification in Georgia and one of two teachers to attain the prestigious credential in the Atlanta Public School System in 1999. Last fall, she renewed her certification as an Early Childhood Generalist.

“I consider myself a lifelong learner. I love teachers and have respect for the teaching profession, which is why I wanted to become a National Board Certified Teacher,” said Denson. “We have an obligation to provide a quality education for our students and be the best we can be. As a National Board Certified Teacher, I am confident that I am fulfilling that obligation.”

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the organization that administers National Board Certification, recently announced an initiative to develop an advanced certification for educational leaders which includes certification for principals and teacher leaders. Denson was chosen by NBPTS to serve on a select group, made up largely of National Board Certified Teachers from across the country, to review core propositions that will provide the foundation for this initiative.

“Teachers inspire teachers and lead by example,” said Denson. “Participating in the groundwork for future accomplished principals and teacher leaders is a humbling experience. I am grateful for having the opportunity to collaborate with other outstanding educators on this initiative.”

Denson designed and implemented the first job-embedded professional development program at Stonewall Tell, using the National Board’s Take One!  program. In November 2007, the school’s entire staff enrolled in Take One!, including Shannon Flounnory, the principal, and two assistant principals. “The largest cohort in the nation to complete the process, the school is currently home to more than three dozen candidates for National Board Certification, due to their success in the Take One! program,” said Denson.

Take One! provides a standards-based approach for improving teaching practice and links student learning to effective instruction. Teachers prepare and submit one pre-selected video portfolio entry from any of the current certificate areas of National Board Certification. Take One! can serve either as a stand-alone professional development opportunity or an initial step in candidacy for National Board Certification.

A 22-year educator and Atlanta native, Denson earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in 1987 with honors. Post graduate studies include a master’s and specialist degree in early childhood education from George State University and a doctorate in educational psychology.

Denson was appointed by former Georgia Gov. Roy E. Barnes, current chairman of NBPTS, as a member of the Commission on Work Force Security and Enhancement in the New Georgia Economy and served on the Georgia Report Card Task Force with the Office of Education Accountability.

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About the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization. NBPTS advances the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching; creating and administering National Board Certification, a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards; and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts. Today, nearly 74,000 National Board Certified Teachers are making a positive difference in the lives of students across the nation. Information about NBPTS is available at www.nbpts.org.

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