Welcome back to Candidate Conversations! In this special and highly anticipated episode, we bring you the culmination of Keke Powell's National Board Certification journey. For those who have followed Keke's progress through our series, this episode is where we see her efforts come to fruition as she prepares for her final Component 1 assessment.

Keke reflects on her growth and increased confidence throughout the process, sharing how receiving scores from previous components helped her strategically approach her Component 3 submission. She dives into the power of starting early, the crucial role of mentor meetings, and the transformative impact of analyzing her lessons, even with her students. Her intentional approach to tackling Component 1 last, after gaining experience in written components, offers a unique perspective for future candidates.

Beyond the certification itself, Keke discusses how the National Board process has already impacted her career, shaping her communication about her practice and opening doors to new leadership opportunities, including the Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellowship. This episode is a must-listen for any educator considering National Board Certification or looking for practical strategies to elevate their teaching and leadership. Keke leaves us with empowering advice on preparation, seeking help, and continuously filling your brain with knowledge. Join us as we celebrate Keke's incredible journey and look forward to welcoming her as an NBCT!

This episode of the podcast delves into the power of reflective practice with educator Michele Vicino Coleman. Michele guides us through her National Board Certification journey, emphasizing how the process encourages teachers to analyze their instructional decisions, understand their students deeply, and articulate the 'why' behind their teaching. Explore how Michele connects this reflective work to her teaching of English and theater, and discover how certification can be a transformative experience for professional growth

Ever wondered how a job teaching English in South Korea could ignite a lifelong passion for education? In this episode of National Board Conversations, we trace the dynamic journey of Tom Courtney, a teacher whose experiences span continents and grade levels.

Tom's story isn't just about classroom instruction; it's about a quest for deeper understanding. From his early days as a self-described "yes person" to his transformative experience with National Board Certification, Tom discovered the power of self-driven professional development and the importance of reflective practice.

Listen as Tom recounts his move from elementary to middle school, sparked by a moment of clarity on a Guatemalan volcano, and how he now finds himself teaching the children of his former students.But Tom's impact extends beyond the classroom. He's also a driving force in advocating for restorative justice practices, shaping district-wide change. Join us to explore Tom's insights on empowering students, fostering community, and finding your expertise as an educator. And for a little fun, we're even including a link to his favorite comfort food!