Nine teachers in the Snoqualmie Valley School District have been awarded 2011 National Board Certification for professional teaching standards.

The teachers include Toni Canady, Mount Si High School, language arts (LA); Dawn Frearson, Twin Falls Middle School, 7th grade science; Julie Gardunia, North Bend Elementary, 5th grade; Shawn Lawrence, Twin Falls, 7th grade LA and social studies; Shannon Roubicek, Snoqualmie Elementary School, 4th grade; Emily Rourke – Twin Falls, 8th grade LA and social studies; Rhonda Schmidt, Mount Si, math/science; Sara-June Treadwell, Twin Falls, 7th grade LA and social studies; Meredith VonTrapp, North Bend Elementary School, 5th grade. They join the ranks of other district teachers, bringing the total to 34 teachers who have earned this distinction.

National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential, recognized by the National Research Council as having a profound positive impact on student learning. To earn this distinction, teachers must meet rigorous teaching standards that involve in-depth study, self-assessment, peer review and expert evaluation in their subject area.

Following an extensive process that can take up to three years to complete, National Board Certified teachers help students develop the necessary skills to thrive in school, in the workplace, and in the 21st century global economy. For more information about this certification, visit www.nbpts.org.