Topeka High Teacher Attains National Board Certification

Topeka High School mathematics teacher Inshin Kim recently found out she has earned the highest credential available to American educators as a National board Certified Teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTs).

During the 2012-2013 school year, Ms. Kim was among about two dozen teachers from across the state who went through the challenging process of becoming National Board Certified Teachers. Less than 400 teachers in Kansas have attained this certification. “This process of board certification is similar to how a doctor becomes certified in a special area,” said Alvin Peters, director of Emporia State University’s program, which assists teachers working toward national certification. And, “this is voluntary- no state, school district, or program requires they go through this process. Teachers must submit extensive documentation of their instruction, including videos of their students at work in the classroom,” he added. The accomplishment of national board certification benefits the teachers, the schools they work in, and studies have shown that NBCTs improve student learning.

In addition to attaining her national board certification, Ms. Kim has also dedicated herself to the teaching profession. One of her student’s parents writes of Inshin, “Ms. Kim has a clear mastery of her content and she explains the material in an understandable way. Most importantly, Ms. Kim demonstrates in her attitude that she cares about her students and wants them to succeed. She treats them with respect, yet challenges them to push themselves. She makes herself available constantly to help students, both before and after school hours. She is warm, friendly and encouraging. Her enthusiasm is infectious!” 

Ms. Kim earned her certification in Adolescence and Young Adulthood: Mathematics, and teaches algebra II and pre-calculus at Topeka High School. Paul Gronquist, who also teaches at Topeka High, has his National Board Certification as well; he is a social studies teacher. At State Street Elementary, 5^th grade teacher Kari Ritter also holds her National Board Certificate.