By Jared Putnam
Staff Writer
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has honored Clay County Schools as being an "Accomplished District."
The school system was recognized as one of only 79 districts across the nation in which at least 20 percent of teachers have achieved National Board certification. Clay County Schools Superintendent Dale Cole made the announcement at the June board of education meeting.
Cole said the certification is a year-long process that is not an easy process to complete.
"I have been through that myself and it was like going back to college again," Cole said. "It requires a lot of submitting evidence, getting peer review from other National Board certified teachers across the country, so it's a rigorous process."
The 79 Accomplished Districts come from 10 states including Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington. The National Board Accomplished District program was originally unveiled in 2019 and included 81 districts recognized for their high percentage of NBCTs.
Compared to the 2019 list, six districts moved from the 20 percent category to the 30 percent category. Cole said his goal is to get Clay County Schools to 30 percent.
"'Recognized as the gold standard in teacher certification, the national board believes higher standards for teachers means better learning for students and I agree with them," Cole said.
Teachers receive a 12 percent raise if they earn the certification. Clay County and the other distinguished districts will be recognized with an award for the district office and unique celebrations for the board certified teachers in those districts.
"I understand and appreciate that process," said Clay County Board of Education member Reba Beck, who previously earned the same distinction. "It is a great honor for Clay County to be recognized."
The board of education also recognized Emily Mull, a sixth grade science teacher at Hayesville Middle School, for being voted Clay County Schools' Teacher of the Year.
"It's always awesome to get to brag on awesome teachers," former HMS Principal Heather Plemmons said. "She's so much fun in the classroom, she's excellent at what she does, she's a master of her curriculum."
Hayesville High School Athletic Director Mike Cottrell recognized several student athletes for outstanding performances during the school year.
Blake McClure and Eli Roberts earned male co-athlete of the year honors, while Lila Roberts was voted female athlete of the year. Mason Cook was a Smoky Mountain Conference wrestling champion, Jala Stamey and Madison Logan qualified for the state playoffs in girls golf and Seth Hedden earned SMC all-conference honors in boys golf.
Cottrell said the athletic department will issue a full press release honoring the student athletes next week.
Other notes from the June board meeting:
• New HMS Principal Jennifer Wallace introduced herself to the board. Wallace grew up in Concord, N.C. near Charlotte. She has a master's degree in administration from Appalachian State University and more than 20 years of experience in education.
• The board approved the Second Step Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum for grades K-8.
• The board approved a 2021-22 memorandum of understanding with Clay County Community for Students.
• The board approved the 2021-22 Career Technical Education local application.
• The board approved Clay County Schools' strategic plan for 2021-26.
• The board approved Ready Classroom Math Curriculum for grades 3-8.