HCPSSHCPSS Congratulates 119 National Board Certified Teachers
January 30th, 2024
This December, 119 Howard County Public School System teachers achieved their National Board Certification, 95 of whom were first-time achievers (up from 22 last year), and 24 who successfully renewed their certification. HCPSS now has 299 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT).
National Board Certification (NBC) is the highest-level credential in the educational profession. Teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, self-assessment, peer review and expert evaluation. To qualify for this certification, a teacher must achieve a high score on a content knowledge assessment and three formal portfolio entries that include videos and written analyses of one’s instruction and contributions to education.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) ranks HCPSS among the top five districts in Maryland for historical number of NBCTs and the total number of current NBC candidates. A new NBPTS ranking also lists HCPSS 5th among the top 25 districts nationwide for its total number of new NBCTs.
Currently, HCPSS is supporting 484 candidates working toward National Board Certification and 10 candidates working toward NBC renewal.
More information for HCPSS educators interested in pursuing their National Board Certification is available online (login required).
First Time Achievers
| Name / Position | School(s) | Area of Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Melissa Azzarello Reading Specialist |
Forest Ridge Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Erica Barkus Teacher – Grade 4 ELA |
Cradlerock Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Mary Belz Bedell Teacher – Secondary World Languages |
Wilde Lake Middle | World Languages |
| Niklas Berry Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Oakland Mills High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Rebecca Biegel Reading Specialist |
Guilford Park High School | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Natalie C. Blake Teacher – Kindergarten |
St. John’s Lane Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Kimberly Broadhurst GT Resource Teacher |
Manor Woods Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Keedra L. Brown Teacher – Secondary Dance |
Reservoir High | Physical Education: Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (Ages 11-18+) |
| Nicole Y Brown-Fordham Teacher – Secondary English |
Oakland Mills High | English Language Arts: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jamie Bullock Teacher – Secondary Math |
Guilford Park High School | Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Marcy Burkom Teacher – Special Education |
Glenelg High | English Language Arts: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jennifer Canfield Teacher – Secondary English |
Patapsco Middle | English Language Arts: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Kourtni Chairs Reading Specialist |
Bryant Woods Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Randi Clare Teacher – RECC |
Waterloo Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Carrie Clippard-Cope Teacher – Secondary Science |
Glenelg High | Science: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Carolyn C. Colón Teacher – Secondary English |
Burleigh Manor Middle | English Language Arts: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Michael Constantine Teacher – Secondary Mathematics |
Atholton High | Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jennifer Crayton Teacher – CTE |
Mount View Middle | Career and Technical Education |
| Brett Cutler Teacher – CTE Business Marketing & Financial Services |
Oakland Mills High | Career and Technical Education |
| Jennifer Davis Reading Specialist |
Bellows Spring Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Linda Jean Davis Teacher – Secondary Science |
Marriotts Ridge High | Science: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Michael Dennison Teacher- Secondary Mathematics |
Harper’s Choice Middle | Mathematics: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Morgan Dice Teacher – Music |
Wilde Lake Middle | Music: Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (Ages 11-18+) |
| James G. DiPietro Teacher – HS Special Education |
Oakland Mills High | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Christen Douglass Teacher – Secondary Dance |
Bonnie Branch Middle, Thomas Viaduct Middle | Career and Technical Education |
| Joshua M. Ernst Teacher – Secondary Mathematics |
Mt. Hebron High | Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Alissa Estes Teacher – Grade 3 |
Ducketts Lane Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Monica Fiegel Teacher – Grade 5 |
Clarksville Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Margaret Fischer Library Media Specialist |
St. John’s Lane Elementary | Library Media |
| Laura Foerster Puglisi, PhD Teacher – HS Physical Education |
Oakland Mills High | Physical Education: Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (Ages 11-18+) |
| Nicholas Formica Teacher – Secondary CTE |
Glenelg High | Career and Technical Education |
| Nicole Gingrich Teacher – Secondary English |
River Hill High | English Language Arts: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Laura Greffen Teacher – Secondary Theatre Arts |
Marriotts Ridge High | Career and Technical Education |
| Heather Gulotta Teacher – Secondary Mathematics |
Oakland Mills High | Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Christina Harold Teacher – Grade 2 |
St. John’s Lane Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Julie Heleba Teacher – Grade 1 |
Deep Run Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Stephanie Henry Teacher – Kindergarten |
Hanover Hills Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Matt Hipszer Teacher – Social Studies |
Oakland Mills High | Social Studies-History: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Dara Hoffman Teacher – Grade 3 |
Veterans Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Nadege J. Hopkins Teacher – RECC |
Stevens Forest Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Valerie R. Hubbs Teacher – Kindergarten Teacher / TDL |
Elkridge Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Sarah Jansson Teacher – Secondary English |
Glenelg High | English Language Arts: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Angela D. Johnson Teacher – CTE Career Research & Development Academy |
Reservoir High | Career and Technical Education |
| Amy Jones Teacher – Secondary Science |
Murray Hill Middle | Science: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Charlene King Reading Specialist |
Elkridge Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Julie Kingsley Teacher – Secondary Mathematics |
Mt. Hebron High | Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Justin Kolnik Teacher – Physical Education |
Bollman Bridge Elementary | Physical Education: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Tiffany Lamont Reading Specialist |
Northfield Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Pamela Lapides Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Reservoir High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Emily Lawson Teacher – Secondary Science |
Marriotts Ridge High | Science: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jamie T. Lee Reading Specialist |
Deep Run Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Paul Lemle Teacher – Social Studies |
Reservoir High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Kristin Lichliter Teacher – Kindergarten |
Swansfield Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Susan Mako Teacher – G/T Resource |
Mount View Middle | Career and Technical Education |
| Christen McCoy Teacher – Elementary Vocal Music |
West Friendship Elementary | Music: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Wes McCoy Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
River Hill High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Allison McLamb Teacher – Special Education |
Long Reach High | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Kathryn Menne Teacher – Grade 3 |
Veterans Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Molly Michaelson Reading Specialist |
Long Reach High | English as a New Language: Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (Ages 11-18+) |
| Molly Milani Teacher – Special Education |
Marriotts Ridge High | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Holly Miles Teacher – G/T Resource |
St. John’s Lane Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Greg Murach Teacher – Secondary Math |
Mt. Hebron High | Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jessica I. Nichols Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
River Hill High | Science: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Candace Nunemaker Teacher – Secondary Mathematics |
Glenelg High | Mathematics: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Megan O’Leary Teacher – Grade 4 |
Triadelphia Ridge Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Michele Ojo-Ade Teacher – RECC |
Waterloo Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Amy Parker Teacher – G/T Resource |
Manor Woods Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| John Perfetto Teacher – Special Education |
Oakland Mills High | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Kristina-Maria C. Perona Teacher – Grade 4 |
Phelps Luck Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Kelley M Pfefferkorn Teacher – Special Education |
River Hill High | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Aubrey L Phamdo Teacher – Grade 1 |
Triadelphia Ridge Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Lindsay Pippen Teacher – Secondary English / Grade 6 |
Folly Quarter Middle | English Language Arts: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Natalie Pretzello Teacher – Middle School Band |
Hammond Middle | Music: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Elena Puig Teacher – Special Education |
Cedar Lane School | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Michelle Ranker Teacher – Kindergarten |
Fulton Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Phil Ranker Teacher – Middle School Physical Education |
Lime Kiln Middle | Physical Education: Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (Ages 11-18+) |
| Kristen Reynolds Teacher – English Language Development |
Bollman Bridge Elementary | English as a New Language: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Karen J. Rinehart Teacher – Kindergarten |
Ducketts Lane Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Allie Rocco Teacher – Dance Education |
Oakland Mills High | Physical Education: Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (Ages 11-18+) |
| Erik Sandersen Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Long Reach High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Nils Schroder Teacher – Secondary Business |
Howard High | Career and Technical Education |
| Constantia Seas Teacher -Secondary Mathematics |
Patuxent Valley Middle | Mathematics: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Callie Sibrian Teacher – Secondary Science |
Hammond High | Science: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Autumn Smith Reading Specialist |
Patapsco Middle | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Kelly L. Snapkoski Reading Specialist |
Deep Run Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Susan Starr Teacher – Elementary ESOL |
Dayton Oaks Elementary, West Friendship Elementary | English as a New Language: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Allyson P. Toronto Teacher – Special Education |
Long Reach High | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Don Walters Teacher – Social Studies |
Mt. Hebron High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Benjamin M. Weiskind Teacher – G/T Resource |
Clarksville Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Bryna Weiss Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Mt. Hebron High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jessica D. White Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Guilford Park High School | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Amanda Williams Teacher – Physical Education |
Forest Ridge Elementary | Physical Education: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Susan Wilmes School Counselor – Elementary |
Laurel Woods Elementary | School Counseling |
| Monica Zaleski Teacher – ESOL |
Atholton Elementary, Ilchester Elementary | English as a New Language: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Gabriela Z. Carmona Teacher – Secondary Spanish |
Mt. Hebron High | World Languages |
Renewal Achievers
| Name / Position | School(s) | Area of Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Colleen M. Cotton Instructional Facilitator – CTE Office |
Applications and Research Lab (ARL) | Career and Technical Education |
| Erica Davis Teacher – Special Education |
Oakland Mills High | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Elizabeth DeVore Reading Specialist |
Mayfield Woods Middle | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Michael E. Gorleski Teacher – Secondary CTE |
Mt. Hebron High | Career and Technical Education |
| Eileen Griffin Teacher – Grade 4 |
Bushy Park Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Lisa M. Henn Teacher – Secondary English |
Glenwood Middle | English Language Arts: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Lauri J. Hornicek Teacher – Grade 5 |
Manor Woods Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Richard Ireland Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Mt. Hebron High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jody Jankoski Resource Teacher – Library Media |
OITLM | Library Media |
| Cassandra Lopez Teacher – Library Media Specialist |
Northfield Elementary | Library Media |
| Tyler Mark Meinhart Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Marriotts Ridge High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Natalie Miskimins Reading Specialist |
Manor Woods Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Thomas Monroe Teacher – General/Vocal Music |
Deep Run Elementary | Music: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |
| Lisa Paddy Teacher- Secondary English |
Dunloggin Middle | English Language Arts: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Jennifer Patel Teacher – Grade 4 |
Veterans Elementary | Generalist: Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12) |
| Alicia Peerson Reading Specialist |
Hollifield Station Elementary | English Language Arts: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Cynthia A. Platou Teacher- Social Studies / History |
Wilde Lake High | Social Studies-History: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jana Poling Teacher – Special Educator, Transition Travel Team / Early Intervention Services |
Swansfield Elementary | Exceptional Needs Specialist |
| Casey Retterer Teacher – Secondary Science |
Oakland Mills High | Science: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (Ages 14-18+) |
| Jen Retterer Teacher – Orchestra |
Lake Elkhorn Middle, Lime Kiln Middle | Music: Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (Ages 11-18+) |
| Cynthia A. Reynolds Teacher – Kindergarten |
Elkridge Elementary | Literacy: Reading-Language Arts |
| Carmen Starling Teacher – Grade 1 |
Bollman Bridge Elementary | Generalist: Early Childhood (Ages 3-8) |
| Joanna Tanner Teacher – Secondary Social Studies |
Wilde Lake Middle | Social Studies-History: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-15) |
| Natalie Torres Teacher – ESOL K-5 |
Cradlerock Elementary | English as a New Language: Early and Middle Childhood (Ages 3-12) |