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Twelve Fairfax County Public Schools teachers have earned or renewed National Board Certification, a nationally recognized credential reflecting rigorous standards for teaching.

Three educators received the certification for the first time:

  • Jackie Kwon, Advanced Academic Office
  • Stacy Pekarik, Wakefield Forest Elementary School
  • Bhumika Saxena, Twain Middle School

Nine teachers renewed their certification for another term:

  • Carrie Cleary, Saratoga Elementary School
  • Jennifer Cottle, Haycock Elementary School
  • Krista Gallagher, Cardinal Forest Elementary School
  • Kathleen Gannon, Stone Middle School
  • Nina Miller, Cameron Elementary School
  • Allison Popsuy, Stone Middle School
  • Christopher Roeseler, Bucknell Elementary School
  • Suzanne Roettger, Providence Elementary School
  • Catherine Williams, Fairfax High School

FCPS has supported educators pursuing National Board Certification for more than 20 years. More than 500 division teachers have reached the milestone during that time, and over 200 National Board-certified teachers are currently working in FCPS schools and supporting students.

The school division ranks among Virginia’s top five for both newly certified teachers and current certification candidates. Nationally, FCPS is among the top 30 school districts by number of National Board-certified teachers. Many educators who earned the credential have since advanced into leadership positions across the division.

Earning or renewing the certification requires teachers to submit a portfolio demonstrating effective instruction, responsiveness to every student’s needs and alignment with the Five Core Propositions of Accomplished Teaching for their certification area.

The FCPS Office of Professional Learning helps candidates through free professional development, tuition reimbursement and individualized assistance offered through the Academy Course program.