To the editor:

Two of our district’s teachers recently received National Board Certification. This is a voluntary assessment program — the highest certification for teachers in our nation. South Whidbey Elementary School teachers Debra Davies and Katherine Mack join their colleague Susan Milan as the only teachers in our district holding this honor. 

Clouding their achievements, however, is Governor Gregoire’s proposed state budget, which would eliminate compensation that the state agreed to pay teachers earning national certification. This attempt to cut funding for our most highly qualified educators is unacceptable; if you agree, you need to voice your opposition to your legislators and governor immediately.

Our district and state have prospered with the addition of National Board Certified teachers. Milan received her certification in 2008. She has attended and spoken at several conferences, and she has served on numerous committees (local and state). Could she have done this without being nationally certified? Of course. And many, many of our teachers go above and beyond and are recognized as leaders and experts in their fields. Having three teachers in our district with National Board Certification is a true testament to our district’s philosophy of continuing education, professional development and aiming for high standards. Our district — our kids — have benefited and will continue to do so because of the National Board Certification program.

It’s one thing to propose to change the rules for future teachers who enter the intensive program knowing that there will not be financial compensation. It’s an insult, and simply unfair, to eliminate a promised salary bonus. Treating our teachers with this disrespect from the Legislature is getting very old.

I realize that in this economic climate, budget cuts are necessary.

It comes down to priorities. Whether you personally have children or will only be affected by today’s children, what do you value for them? Of all the state-funded programs, where does education fit in your list? “Education” isn’t just reading, writing, math and science. If you haven’t been inside a classroom lately, please visit. You might be amazed at the realm of topics and behaviors that teachers cover.

Politicians have the authority to alter teachers’ salaries and retirements. They have the power to create loopholes, to essentially demand more training and then to retract the requirement, to alter the professional path of our educators. Again, they need to hear from us when they propose to do this. Our message: If you want to improve education in our state, then show that you value and respect the professionals who deliver the material.

Those of you who know Ms. Davies,

Mrs. Mack and Ms. Milan know them to be outstanding, quality teachers. Combined, they have served our state for 49 years.  More important than the time they have devoted to our district is the devotion they’ve displayed in their chosen profession. They have pursued — and passed — the most rigorous standards available to educators. They entered an agreement with the state, and now the state leaders are claiming there’s not enough money to uphold their end of the agreement. The money is there; they need to prioritize it differently.

Our Nationally Certified teachers each spent as many as 500 hours to earn their certification, with the promise that they would be financially compensated at their salary level. I’m asking you to spend 15 minutes and contact our legislators and governor. Voice your opposition to eliminate funding for the National Board Certified teachers.

For more information, check out the following websites: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, http://www.nbpts.org/resources/research; Washington State Legislature, http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx; Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, http://www.k12.wa.us/.

Congratulations to Ms. Davies, Mrs. Mack and Ms. Milan. Our state is fortunate to have you. 

Karyle Kramer 

Langley