22 HCPS educators earned national board certification in 2023, the most in Va. and 17th nationally
Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is the profession’s highest mark of accomplishment. This year, 22 Henrico County Public Schools educators met that remarkable standard. In addition to those earning national certification status for the first time, 24 educators renewed their certifications. The group of newly board-certified HCPS teachers is the largest of any Virginia school division this year. Nationally, just 16 divisions had more educators reach the standard. HCPS led such large school systems as New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this group or more gratified at their deep commitment to teaching,” said Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent. “Educators take on this rigorous process on top of the demands of daily instruction. They’re emblematic of Henrico County Public Schools’ tradition of excellence.”
To become certified, teachers must submit detailed portfolios for review by their peers. The portfolios include videos of the candidates’ teaching, documented professional accomplishments, reflective essays and examples of student work. Teachers must also pass an exam relevant to his or her subject and level of instruction.
The educators were recognized in a pinning ceremony Feb. 28, along with teachers from the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Powhatan.
HCPS educators earning certification in 2023 from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:
Cindy Nelson Blakley, Anthony Mehfoud Elementary School
Katie Brady, The Academy at Virginia Randolph
Mara La Fratta Brennan, Maybeury Elementary School
Stephanie Biller, Ridge Elementary School
Audra Callahan, Maybeury Elementary School
Lisa Dingman, Quioccasin Middle School
Kristin Dixon, Raymond Pinchbeck Elementary School
Kendall Dunaway, George Moody Middle School
Jake Earle, Mills Godwin High School
Kateresea Ford, The Academy at Virginia Randolph
Rachel LeClair, Colonial Trail Elementary School
Emily L’Heureux, Maude Trevvett Elementary School
Nirali Jantrania, Deep Run High School
Deborah Nadeau, Tuckahoe Elementary School
Katy Pierce, Hermitage High School
Kathryn W Pike, Douglas Freeman High School
Elizabeth Rechenbach, Twin Hickory Elementary School
Samantha Smigel, Raymond Pinchbeck Elementary School
Carter Turner, Greenwood Elementary School
Sarah Wicker, Holman Middle School
Aaron Willoughby, Varina High School
Katy Yam, Varina High School
HCPS educators who earned national board certification are pictured at a pinning ceremony Feb. 28, along with HCPS leaders.
HCPS educators recognized for renewing their certification:
Meghan, Atkins, Springfield Park Elementary School
Drew Baker, Central Office
Chris Bonner, Jackson Davis Elementary
Jenny Brady, Shady Grove Elementary School
Cathleen Cangelosi, Twin Hickory Elementary School
Megan R. Conway, Gayton Elementary School
Sarah Harlow, Glen Lea Elementary School
Stacy Hilton, Springfield Park Elementary School
Kent Givens, Mills Godwin High School
Gretchen Hiort, Douglas Freeman High School
Wiley Hunnicutt, Douglas Freeman High School
Melissa Jeffrey, Sandston Elementary School
Donna Letson, Twin Hickory Elementary School
Robert P. Meister, Mills Godwin High School
W. Scott Mewborn, Glen Allen High School
Sandi Pafford Nguyen, Colonial Trail Elementary School
Laurel Roeder, Central Office
Diane Sharpe, Anthony Mehfoud Elementary School
Lesley St. James, Deep Run High School
Casey Tyler, Tuckahoe Elementary School
Laura van Bylandt, Central Office
Schuyler VanValkenburg, Glen Allen High School
Shannon Wakefield, Central Office
Katherine Woodard, Echo Lake Elementary School
HCPS educators who renewed national board certification are pictured at a pinning ceremony Feb. 28, along with HCPS leaders.
The 22 newly certified instructors were supported during the process by HCPS educators who had previously attained certification. The mentors facilitated monthly cohort meetings and provided coaching to candidates. Facilitators were Erin Rettig, Diane Sharpe and Laura van Bylandt.