CMS educators celebrate National Board Certification

Posted on: 3/17/25

Twenty-eight years into her career, Viola King, physical education teacher at River Gate Elementary School said she wanted to “shake things up.” She had worked as a teacher in middle and elementary school, served as a mentor to beginning teachers, was a dean of students and the head coach of a middle school football team.

“After all that time, I was fully in my empty nester veteran teacher auntie era,” said King. “But I was in a professional rut.”

After speaking with colleagues who pursued their National Board Certification, King said she decided to give it a go. This past December, King was notified that she had successfully achieved her certification.

On March 13, King and 72 other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools educators were recognized for achieving their National Board Certification at a celebratory event at West Charlotte High School, and 136 were recognized for successfully renewing. 

King shared her certification experience during the celebration, and said she received a lot of support from the district, her family and colleagues.

“This process has changed how I approach education,” said King. “It’s made me a more reflective and intentional teacher.”

The certification process requires educators to demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with the Five Core Propositions. They must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.

CMS ranks third among the nation’s school districts and second in North Carolina with more than 1,400 active National Board Certified educators. To date, more than 2,400 CMS educators have achieved certification.

“By achieving or renewing your National Board Certification, you are giving your students an opportunity to experience another level of learning, teaching and achievement,” said Dr. Ingrid Medlock, chief of Staff and Community Engagement. “You are a shining example of what it means to be a lifelong learner and an educational leader.”