In the world of teaching, not many things are more prestigious than National Board Certification. Only three percent of all public school teachers in the United States are nationally certified. For Jacksonville High School, another was added to that rank.
John Lawless, Mr. Lawless to all of us, was recently lauded that award. National Board Certification means a couple different things. The five core propositions of the National Board are as follows:
- Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
- Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
- Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
- Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
- Teachers are members of learning communities.
“Basically it means that the practices that I have been trying to implement in the department, like all the other teachers, are valuable,” says Mr. Lawless.
Fifteen teachers were chosen to meet throughout the three years to critique each other’s teaching and curriculum. Ten of the fifteen successfully made it through the three-year program.
“First of all, it’s an honor. It’s an intense process for him to get there. It shows that the district has great teachers, like Mr. Lawless, that have the ability to reach that level,” said Mike McGiles, principal at JHS. “Mr. Lawless is not only a great teacher, but also a great person. He’s one of those people that would do anything for anyone, so it doesn’t surprise me that he would attain this recognition.”
If you see Mr. Lawless in the hallways, make sure to congratulate him. He is only one of two teachers at the high school to achieve this prestigious honor. It’s one robe that fits him well.