Table of Contents
Twenty-two Henrico County educators have earned the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification for the first time – the most from any school division in Virginia and the 16th largest such group in the nation. Another 24 county educators renewed their certifications.
The teachers completed a rigorous certification process, which included submitting videos of their teaching, a portfolio of professional accomplishments, reflective essays, and examples of student work, all of which were subject to review by their peers. They also were required to pass an exam related to their subjects and level of instruction.
Henrico had more newly certified educators than large school divisions such as those in New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
“I couldn't be prouder of this group or more gratified at their deep commitment to teaching,” said HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell. “Educators take on this rigorous process on top of the demands of daily instruction. They're emblematic of Henrico County Public Schools' tradition of excellence.” The educators were recognized in a pinning ceremony Feb. 28, along with teachers from the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Powhatan.HCPS educators earning certification in 2023 from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards were:
• Cindy Nelson Blakley, Anthony Mehfoud Elementary School• Katie Brady, The Academy at Virginia Randolph• Mara La Fratta Brennan, Maybeury Elementary School• Stephanie Biller, Ridge Elementary School• Audra Callahan, Maybeury Elementary School• Lisa Dingman, Quioccasin Middle School• Kristin Dixon, Raymond Pinchbeck Elementary School• Kendall Dunaway, George Moody Middle School• Jake Earle, Mills Godwin High School• Kateresea Ford, The Academy at Virginia Randolph• Rachel LeClair, Colonial Trail Elementary School• Emily L'Heureux, Maude Trevvett Elementary School• Nirali Jantrania, Deep Run High School• Deborah Nadeau, Tuckahoe Elementary School• Katy Pierce, Hermitage High School• Kathryn W Pike, Douglas Freeman High School• Elizabeth Rechenbach, Twin Hickory Elementary School• Samantha Smigel, Raymond Pinchbeck Elementary School• Carter Turner, Greenwood Elementary School• Sarah Wicker, Holman Middle School• Aaron Willoughby, Varina High School• Katy Yam, Varina High School.
HCPS educators recognized for renewing their certification were:
• Meghan, Atkins, Springfield Park Elementary School• Drew Baker, Central Office• Chris Bonner, Jackson Davis Elementary• Jenny Brady, Shady Grove Elementary School• Cathleen Cangelosi, Twin Hickory Elementary School• Megan R. Conway, Gayton Elementary School• Sarah Harlow, Glen Lea Elementary School• Stacy Hilton, Springfield Park Elementary School• Kent Givens, Mills Godwin High School• Gretchen Hiort, Douglas Freeman High School• Wiley Hunnicutt, Douglas Freeman High School• Melissa Jeffrey, Sandston Elementary School• Donna Letson, Twin Hickory Elementary School• Robert P. Meister, Mills Godwin High School• W. Scott Mewborn, Glen Allen High School.
