Haywood County Schools is proud to recognize the educators who have achieved National
Board Certification for the first time, as well as those who have successfully renewed their
certification. National Board Certification is widely regarded as the profession’s highest
voluntary credential, recognizing accomplished teaching and a deep commitment to student
learning.
National Board Certification is a rigorous, performance-based process in which teachers submit
evidence of their instructional practice and demonstrate their impact on student learning. The
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction describes it as a standards-based certification
that evaluates teaching through comprehensive performance assessments. The process can take
between one and five years to complete and requires approximately 200–400 hours of dedicated
work.
Candidates complete four components:
– Content Knowledge (a computer-based assessment)
– Differentiation in Instruction
– Teaching Practice and Learning Environment
– Effective and Reflective Practitioner
With the exception of the Content Knowledge assessment, each component is evaluated through
detailed portfolio submissions.
Haywood County is designated as a National Board Accomplished District, a recognition
reserved for districts in which at least 20% of teachers have achieved National Board
Certification. Fewer than 100 districts nationwide hold this distinction. Currently, Haywood
County Schools is proud to have 130 National Board Certified Teachers serving our students.
Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) is a significant professional journey, and
Haywood County Schools is deeply grateful for the dedicated team that supports candidates
along the way. Joy Sollie leads and coordinates the district’s National Board efforts, ensuring
teachers have the resources and guidance they need throughout the process. Retired NBCTs
Lynn Carter and Sandie Strahan provide coaching and structured feedback, while Ira Hyde offers
technical assistance with video production and online submissions. Together, they help create a
strong foundation of support so candidates can focus on showcasing accomplished teaching at its
very best.
We are excited to announce the newest HCS teachers who have earned National Board
Certification for the first time:
– Mary Bryce Haskett- Junaluska Elementary
– Christy Lusk- Clyde Elementary
– Elizabeth Scholtz- Canton Middle
Additionally, the following educators were recognized at the February School Board meeting for
successfully renewing their certification:
– Caroline Bethea-Brown- Haywood Community Learning Center
– Lara Caldwell- Jonathan Valley Elementary
– Tiffany Cantrell- Bethel Elementary
– Noel Castater- Waynesville Middle
– Haley Donaldson- Canton Middle
– Kara Faust- Canton Middle
– Angela Hamiel-Junaluska Elementary
– Sarah Lee- Waynesville Middle
– Amanda Parton- Clyde Elementary
– Christina Roberts-Junaluska Elementary
– Joseph Sayblack- Pisgah High
– Tonya Shepard- Bethel Middle
Haywood County Schools celebrates these educators for their dedication to excellence and their
continued commitment to student success.
