Jessica Raugitinane, whom we honored in 2012, has completed an intensive, two-year process to earn an elite level of certification that has been achieved by only four percent of teachers nationwide.

Congratulations to Ms. Raugitinane on becoming a National Board-Certified Teacher.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) grants this certification in line with its mission to advance the quality of teaching and learning. The National Board’s mission is to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

Ms.Raugitinane began working toward the certification while teaching English-language learners at a dual-language school in her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. Now she serves as the K-12 English Learners Curriculum Specialist in her school district’s central office.

“In this position, I can focus on my passion for curriculum writing, especially for English-language learners, and remain connected to the classroom by piloting curriculum with teachers and students,” she says.

Recommendations for Colleagues

For teachers who might be considering pursuing National Board certification, Ms. Raugitinane offers this advice:

“Seek out resources from your school district; see if there is a mentor or cohort who can guide you through the process and review your portfolio submissions.

“The certification process is rigorous and time-consuming, so creating a schedule that dedicates time to certification requirements while balancing teaching and personal life is essential. 

“Nevertheless, the process is beneficial and doesn’t feel like you are just trying to check off a list of tasks, but rather truly investing in yourself as a teacher. The critical analysis and deep reflection throughout the process lead to improved instructional strategies and better student outcomes, while allowing you to display your strengths as a teacher.”

Triple Major at UConn

Ms. Raugitinane received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in 2013 with three majors: elementary education, English, and Spanish, along with a minor in Latino studies. She received her master’s degree from UConn in 2014. Before joining the faculty in Alexandria, she taught English as a second language to university students in Quito, Ecuador.

“I knew the certification process would be labor-intensive,” she says. “But I felt supported by my school district’s board-certified mentor who reassured me that the deep reflection encouraged by this process would truly enhance my teaching skills and motivate me to provide high-quality teaching to my students.”

Ms. Raugitinane achieved National Board certification in English as a New Language for Early and Middle Childhood (ages 3-12) by submitting a portfolio for each of four components:

• Content Knowledge: Candidates demonstrate an understanding of the subject matter and how to teach it effectively.
• Differentiation in Instruction: Candidates provide evidence of how they tailor their instruction to students with diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Teaching Practice and Learning Environment: Candidates submit videos of their teaching and provide written analyses of their teaching practice in varied contexts.
• Effective and Reflective Practitioner: Candidates analyze and reflect on how they use assessment data and student feedback to improve their instruction. Candidates also provide evidence of participation in professional learning communities and collaboration with other educators to meet students’ needs.

Felicidades to Ms. Raugitinane and best wishes for continued success in this new phase of her career.

• Woody Exley

Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims, whom we honored in 2006, has been named a 2024 PDK Distinguished Educator for her work in recruiting, training, and retaining teachers of color.

Dr. Sims is Managing Director of Academic Programming at the Connecticut Teacher Residency Program, a key state initiative to develop a more diverse educator workforce.

PDK International says its Distinguished Educators are leaders who have made significant contributions to the teaching profession in line with the organization’s core values. Established in 1906, PDK supports educators by strengthening their commitment to the profession throughout their careers.

Honor Reserved for Most Prestigious Members

“The Distinguished Educators program is an honorific designation reserved to highlight our most prestigious members,” said Albert Chen, PDK International’s Chief Operating Officer. “We recognize Violet Jiménez Sims for her achievements and contributions to our profession and her commitment to our core values of research, service, and leadership.”

Before assuming her present position, Dr. Sims was a high school teacher and served on the faculty of UConn’s Neag School of Education. Active in the community, she served four years on the New Britain Board of Education and is Vice President of the New Britain branch of the NAACP. In 2022, the New Britain YWCA named her a Women in Leadership Sesquicentennial Honoree.

Learning and Networking in D.C.

PDK International will host Dr. Sims and seven other Fellows and education change agents at a professional learning and networking event in Washington, D.C., this summer. During the year ahead, the Fellows will be able to interact with like-minded colleagues and engage in community-driven professional development. 

Said Dr. Sims, “In every capacity, whether teacher, administrator, professor, teacher educator, or elected board of education member, I have always centered how the work impacts students.”

Congratulations to this remarkable Alma Exley Scholar, who exemplifies in her professional and community leadership what our program is all about.

• Woody Exley