MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Browning

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE TEACHERS IN THE NEW ALBANY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION.

WHEREAS, several teachers in the New Albany Public School District have successfully completed National Certification; and

WHEREAS, the teachers include Margaret Boyd, Carol Byrd, Cindy Davis, Sue Marques, Joan Carr, Lisa Mooney, Sherilyn Goode and Pam Bramlitt; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Boyd is a kindergarten and first grade teacher at Mattie Thompson participating in looping; Cindy Davis is a first grade teacher at Mattie Thompson; Carol Byrd is a fourth grade teacher at Ford Elementary; Sue Marques is a kindergarten and first grade multi-age teacher at Mattie Thompson; Joan Carr is a multi-age first grade teacher at Mattie Thompson; Lisa Mooney is a speech pathologist at Mattie Thompson; Sherilyn Goode is a speech pathologist at Ford Elementary; Pam Bramlitt is a speech pathologist at the Middle School and W.P. Daniel High School; and

WHEREAS, National Certification is a year-long process involving the completion of a teaching portfolio and a one-day assessment. The portfolio includes and presents lessons in four subject areas. Two of the lessons must be videotaped while it is being taught. Through this process, the teacher is able to analyze the lessons to determine their effectiveness in the classroom. Teachers are also asked to document their accomplishments in the area of academics, family outreach and community; and

WHEREAS, certification requires teachers to scrutinize their teaching abilities and find ways to improve. This is an extensive and exhausting process, including a great deal of work; and

WHEREAS, successful completion of the process results in a $6,000.00 pay increase, funded by the state. Each teacher pays a $2,000.00 fee that is refundable if the process is successfully completed; and

WHEREAS, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification is a true testament to the devotion of these teachers to their students and their dedication to the teaching profession, and is an example for all teachers in the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the teachers in the New Albany Public School District who this year have successfully completed National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification, and wish them continued success in their future professional careers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the teachers named herein, and furnished to New Albany Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Charles Garrett, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.