Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/802239
SPRING 2017 | wyoea.org 11 WEA Government Relations Director Ken Decaria talks to a visiting class at the Jonah Building early in the legislative session. NEA President Lily Eskelsen García presented Wyoming's NFIE award recipient, Jon VanOverbeke, his award at the 2017 NFIE Gala, along with CEO of California Casualty, Beau Brown, and President & CEO of the NEA Foundation, Harriet Sanford. Ellbogen Foundation Assists with National Board Certification Guidance and Costs For over ten years, the Ellbogen Foundation has not only assisted financially with Wyoming teachers wanting to become National Board Certified, but has provided support on a more personal and professional level, too. The Ellbogen Foundation provides professional development in regards to the comprehensive overview to help teachers get started in the process to become National Board Certified. "We provide work sessions for those going through the process to work on portfolios, work with prior National Board Certified teachers, and coordinate partners to read and review their work," Ellbogen Foundation President and Chair Mary Garland said. Upon the Foundation's inception in 2004, Wyoming had 47 NBCTs. Today, that number is well over 600, and almost every district in this state has at least one NBCT, with Natrona County leading the pack with 92. "We wanted to create a process that was accessible, that was available to any teacher, regardless of where they taught – we wanted assistance to be offered to all eligible teachers," Garland said. Wyoming is known nationwide to have the most respected and rigorous assistance provided to our up-and- coming NBCTs. "I've heard from inner and outer circles that we're the best at assisting our teachers in the process, and Wyoming should be proud of that," Garland said. Mary said the partnership with the state of Wyoming and the Legislature has been invaluable to providing support to those who wish to become the next NBCTs. As of 2015, Wyoming ranked first in growth of NBCTs over the past three years, with 46.39%. For more information regarding the Ellbogen Foundation, please visit: http://www.ellbogenfoundation.org/ You can learn more about the Wyoming National Board Certification Initiative at: http://wnbci.org/