Three Woodridge 68 Educators Receive National Board Certification

Woodridge School District 68 educators Dr. Kelly Neylon, principal at Meadowview Elementary School, and Mike Davis, physical education teacher at John L. Sipley Elementary School, have recently received National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; Noora Hazou, learning behavior specialist at Edgewood Elementary School, successfully renewed her certification. National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

Kelly Neylon earned her certification in English Language Arts - Early Adolescence. “This is what perseverance does! Helping all of our students, as well as helping teachers with the hard work they do in their classrooms, is why I continued to pursue certification after missing the mark my first attempt. I'm thrilled beyond words to be among the 176 Illinois teachers who achieved National Board Certification this year. I would encourage each and every teacher in the district to pursue certification. Not only will it help our students, it helps our practices become more student centered.” said Neylon. “Thanks to everyone who encouraged and helped me traverse the Learning Pit!”

"We are proud that Dr. Neylon continues to be a life-long learner. National Board Certification is one of the most respected professional certifications available in K-12 education, and Dr. Neylon's continued dedication to the art of teaching is an inspiration to us all,” said Dr. Patrick Broncato, Woodridge 68 Superintendent of Schools.

Mike Davis earned his certification in Physical Education - Early and Middle Childhood. “I wanted to use the NBTC as a measure to gauge the effectiveness of my P.E. program and learn how I could improve my teaching practice for students. Throughout this process, I am extremely appreciative of the support I received from Principal Dr. Mrozik, Sipley staff, and my W68 PE colleagues," said Davis.

“Michael Davis has come to Sipley after years in a prior district where he left a considerable and positive impact on the school community. Since arriving at Sipley three years ago, he has immersed himself into the Sipley School culture, becoming a key figure in the lives of our students. He is also expanding his knowledge in the field of education, completing and passing his National Boards, the most prestigious accomplishment an educator can achieve. While completing his National Boards, he has also begun a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.,” said Dr. Donald Mrozik, Principal at Sipley. “Sipley School is very proud of Michael Davis for all that he brings to our school community and for continuing his own learning in the field of education.”

Noora Hazou successfully renewed her National Board Certification in the area of Exceptional Needs Specialist - Early Childhood through Young Adulthood. “Thank you to Principal Tanya Hughes for all her help this past year and support through this process. I am very excited and proud of my accomplishment,” said Hazou.

Created by teachers, for teachers, the National Board Standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The certification process requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning. They must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments, and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.