The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg fourth grade teacher Deanna Coulston has reason to celebrate. After three years of hard work, Coulston is now certified as a National Board Middle Childhood Generalist.

National Board Certification is the highest professional distinction available in education, according to Waitsburg Superintendent Jon Mishra, who congratulated Coulston at the January school board meeting.

Coulston said she was willing to work around her job and family to pursue National Board certification to improve her practice and to challenge herself.

"I believe that being an educator is evidence that I am committed to my students and their learning. I believe that being an educator means I am an important part of making this world a better place. I understand the power of my words and my ability to influence the kids who make up my classroom. I recognize the importance of seeing the whole child, which includes their social, physical, emotional and intellectual needs.

Coulston said she worked together with a cohort of other local area teachers. Board certification is divided into four components: content knowledge, the ability to differentiate instruction, the ability to mold teaching and the learning environment to students' needs and learning to be an effective and reflective practitioner.

Coulston currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and plans to continue her education to gain her Masters degree.

"Being a Board certified teacher brings leadership and mentoring opportunities as well as financial benefits," Coulston said.

Dayton School District teachers Shayna Hutchens and Dave Phillips also achieved National Board Certification in November.