Russ Connell, an English teacher at The Donoho School, was recently certified as part of the National Board of Certified Teachers. The certification is obtained after completion of a voluntary assessment program which recognizes “effective and accomplished teachers who meet high standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do.” The certification complements the teacher’s state license, and it is valid for 10 years.
The teachers are evaluated on the following five core propositions:
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Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
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Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
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Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
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Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
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Teachers are members of learning communities.
“The National Board Certification process has been one of enlightenment. Throughout this effort, I have been reminded time and again how an effective education is much more than mere pedagogy. This process involved a community of support, and I would like to thank Jan Hurd, Laura Phillips, and the Donoho Board of Trustees for this opportunity and their steadfast support. I want to thank my students and the parents of my students who have been so helpful, engaging, and understanding. Finally, I would like to recognize Lisa Light, Matt Ford, and my wife, Karen, as my “teammates” who were there for me every step of the way. Their support and encouragement helped make this dream a reality,” says Connell.
Mr. Connell began his National Board certification in the fall of 2011 and received recognition of certification on Saturday, November 23, 2013. He has been a teacher at Donoho since the fall of 2004 and is also the varsity golf coach for the Falcons and sponsor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students. He is married to Karen Lewis Connell (’90) and has two children – Edwin (’20) and Estella (’24).
