Lana Hansen, Barbara Moore, and Sharon Rodgers, three classroom teachers at Willow Creek Elementary School, recently received notification of their selection as National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT). National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential accepted by school districts throughout the United States. National Board Certified Teachers must complete a rigorous and challenging process that requires individuals to analyze their own professional practices against recognized standards for teaching excellence.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was formed in 1987. National Board Certification is an accepted sign of quality in the teaching profession and offers a nationwide standard for evaluating and encouraging quality teaching. It is a way to recognize and reward the accomplished teachers needed to build a competitive, world-class school. National Board Certification is the teaching profession's highest standard of excellence. Those who achieve it demonstrate that they are truly accomplished teachers.

Characteristics of National Board Certified Teachers:

- Students of NBCTs do measurably better on state and national assessments, they acquire a deeper understanding of content, and are better equipped to thrive in the global marketplace.

- NBCTs have demonstrated proficiency in their subject matter. They know what to teach and how to teach it.

- NBCTs actively familiarize themselves with their students and adapt their teaching methods to meet individual learning styles and interests. They set high expectations and get results.

- NBCTs don't rely solely on standardized assessments, but use a variety of methods to assess student growth, strengths and weaknesses.

- NBCTs are proactive and can communicate student progress and needs in ways that are helpful to parents.

- NBCTs value diversity and hold high expectations that all their students can succeed, and that they will treat one another fairly and with dignity.

- Having a core of NBCTs in a school building raises the bar for teaching and learning and helps create a climate of professionalism and excellence.

Lana Hansen has been teaching at Willow Creek for 13 years. She has a total of 17 years of teaching experience and is currently serving as a 1st grade instructor. Barbara Moore is a 5th grade teacher who has served as a classroom teacher for 15 years, including the last 10 at Willow Creek. Sharon Rodgers, also a 1st Grade teacher, is in her 7th year at Willow Creek and is in her 30th year in the teaching profession.

Willow Creek Elementary School is a nationally recognized "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence". Willow Creek received this distinction initially in 1999 and for the second time in 2006. The school is located on the south end of the Cherry Creek School District near the Park Meadows Mall and the Denver Technological Center. Over 33% of the students at Willow Creek are enrolled as "School of Choice" students and do not reside in the Willow Creek neighborhood. More information on the school is available by visiting the website at www.will.ccsd.k12.co.us or calling the school at 720-554-3900.