Video: Lakeview Teacher Earns National Board Certification

School fifth-grade Teacher Jessica Kerscher achieved National Board Certification after a year-long process of submitting portfolios on goal-setting for students and self-assessment of students in reading and writing.

“Becoming Nationally Board Certified has made me a much better teacher,” said Kerscher. “This was the most rigorous undertaking in my academic experience. The all-around impact the process has had on me professionally as well as on my students is amazing.”

After completing the nine-month process, Kerscher said she spent two months studying for the National Boards, which consisted of a three-hour comprehensive exam.

“Becoming a National Board Certified teacher is one of the most prestigious honors that a teacher can earn. This recognition puts Jessica among the elite in the teaching profession," said Superintendent Dr. Russ Jones. "I commend her for her professionalism and commitment to children by being the very best she can be."

Along with the rigorous hours and work, the certification is also costly.

Kerscher said she sought grants from the state, paid for it out of pocket and seeked grants from the University of Akron, which covered a large portion of the $2,500 cost.