ROHS Teacher David Barnett Leads by Example

David Barnett loves teaching and it shows. He's popular among students, parents, his peers and administrators. So when it was announced that the science instructor had achieved National Board Certification, congratulations came in from all corners.

Barnett is the first teacher in Royal Oak to earn the national certification.

"We are all very excited for him," ROHS Principal Michael Greening said. "It's a real feather in the district's cap."

But Barnett, who has taught science at the school for 12 years, didn't pursue the national certification for glory or more money; he did it to become an even better teacher.

"I hope I represent an example of the excellent teachers in Royal Oak," he said. "I'm definitely a better teacher now than I was before I started the process."

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' voluntary assessment program is designed to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers. Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. National Board Certified Teachers have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices.

Barnett worked on the certification process for about a year, during which time he compiled four portfolios and took a series of assessment center exercises. "The portfolios included a complete teaching unit, videotape of scientific inquiry in my class, videotape of a discussion in my class and a collection of my accomplishments," said the 36-year-old Ferndale resident. "For each portfolio, I had to reflect on my teaching and explain how the lessons promoted student learning and understanding of science."

Praise from administration

Greening considers the whole thing pretty impressive. "That's the type of teacher and the type of person his is," the principal said of Barnett. "He really works to improve himself. … It's always about the kids."

Greening hopes Barnett's achievement will inspire other teachers. "It's an elite group," he said of the National Board Certified Teachers. "We're very proud to have him."

Royal Oak schools Superintendent Thomas Moline appreciates that the certification program helps go beyond individual states' guidelines and sets common objectives across the country. "It takes teachers into a whole new collaborative effort," he said.  "There's power in groups … It's about what's best for students.

"Dave is the leader in that and I hope we can duplicate that in the months and years ahead."

An elite group of teachers

NBCTs consistently receive top teaching honors while representing about 2 percent of the nation's teaching population, the board said. For example:

• Three of the past five National Teachers of the Year are National Board certified.
• One-third of the 2010 State Teachers of the Year are National Board certified.
• More than one-third of the recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are National Board certified.
• Four of the five National Teachers Hall of Fame 2010 honorees are National Board certified.
• The nonpartisan National Research Council found that students taught by NBCTs make higher gains on achievement tests than students taught by other teachers.

"The National Board process allowed me to focus specifically on how I teach in my classroom," said Barnett, who teaches environmental science courses.  "I really enjoy teaching and am proud to do it.  

"I think attention on education is too often focused on budgets and test results, missing many of the countless positive things that happen in schools. Teachers throughout Royal Oak and beyond do a lot of great things – the National Board process is just one way to demonstrate that."