Olympia School District recognizes 12 national board certified teachers  

At a special recognition session on Thursday, April 10, the Olympia School District recognized 12 teachers who either gained or maintained a National Board Certification (NBCT). 

Executive Director of Human Resources Scott Niemann said the certification process is “rigorous,” as candidates demonstrate knowledge, skills, and classroom practice through portfolio entries and a computer-based assessment. 

“National Board Certification was developed by teachers for teachers and promotes continuous growth in our schools. It remains one of the most respected professional certifications available for K-12 educators,” Niemann said. 

The certification is available in 25 areas across 16 disciplines spanning pre-K through 12th grade.  

“Maintaining certification is a meaningful commitment and one that reflects deep dedication to students' professional learning and educational excellence,” Niemann added. 

Each school principal or supervisor read the names and made some remarks about their school’s honoree, as the board presented the honorees with a certificate of recognition. 

According to the district’s news release, seven teachers maintained their certification and five teachers are newly certified. 

 Maintained NBCTs 

• Travis Sipher – Capital High School, Music/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood 

• Lisa Mikes – Hansen Elementary School, Generalist/Middle Childhood 

• Eric Jacobs – Olympia High School, English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood 

• Jesse Stevick – Olympia High School, Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood 

• Jamie Sproul – Teacher on Special Assignment, Technology, Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood 

• Teresa Bond – Roosevelt Elementary School, English Language Arts/Early Adolescence 

• Katherine Sartori – Washington Middle School, Music/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood

Newly certified NBCTs 

• Emma Grice – Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Health Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood 

• Laura Hendrix – Centennial Elementary School, Generalist/Early Childhood 

• Alexandra Mikler – Avanti High School, English Language Arts/Early Adolescence 

• Karter Rosner – Avanti High School, Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood 
• Quasar Surprise – Avanti High School, Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood