Press Release

LaPlace Elementary First-Grade Teacher Anita Rodriguez recently received certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, becoming the first teacher in St. John the Baptist Parish to receive the nation’s highest level of credentialing in the primary and secondary teaching profession.

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board and audience members attending a recent school board meeting gave Rodriguez a standing ovation for her accomplishment.

“We are truly proud of your achievement. We applaud your determination and commitment, and we welcome your knowledge in our children’s classroom,” said Superintendent Michael Coburn.

The goal of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards is to advance the level of teaching by maintaining high and rigorous standards for what an accomplished teacher should know and be able to do. National Board Certified Teachers are committed to students and learning, have a high level of expertise in the subject area, and a high level of teaching skills in the subject area.

National certification is a voluntary process that takes a minimum of one year to complete. During such time, the teacher-candidate documents his or her knowledge of subject matter, provides evidence of how the students are taught and demonstrates the ability to manage and measure student learning.

This year, 169 teachers in Louisiana met those standards and became National Board Certified.

Rodriquez, who is in her eighth year of teaching for St. John the Baptist Parish, told board members that the process was very rigorous and challenging, noting that she did not pass on her first try. “But I became a better person and, I believe a better teacher through the process. I am so glad that I did it, and I hope I can be an example to others to follow,” she said.As part of the reward for her accomplishment, Rodriguez will receive a $5,000 annual pay increase, beginning in September 2004.