Celebrating SPS National Board Certified Educators

SPS congratulates the educators who have earned National Board Certifications or renewed their certification in 2025-26! Achieving certification is a tremendous accomplishment. SPS has nearly 500 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) and administrators. Washington state is ranked 3rd in the nation for NBCTs, and SPS is currently tied at 17th in the nation for the total number of NBCTs.  

National Board Certification requires educators to demonstrate advanced knowledge in their subject area, a deep understanding of students, and advanced skill in their teaching practice. In pursuing certification, educators volunteer to put their teaching skills, content knowledge, and professional practices up against rigorous professional standards.  

The Seattle Education Association (SEA) provides meaningful support for educators who are interested in pursuing National Board Certification, helping guide them through each step of the process. Through its National Board Candidate Support Cohort, SEA offers a structured, collaborative experience that builds understanding of certification requirements.  

Educators can learn more by attending a virtual information session on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 5-6 p.m. online via Zoom. Participants will receive an overview of the certification journey and the comprehensive support available through SEA’s program. 

SEA encourages interested educators to attend the information session, ask questions, and take the next step toward National Board Certification with confidence and community support.  

Learn more about the SEA National Board Candidate Support Program 

We commend each of these educators for their commitment to the teaching profession and hard work on behalf of the students they serve. Congratulations to these new NBCTs: 

New National Board Certified Teachers: 

• Charles Ellis, Aki Kurose Middle School 
• Zachary Gore, Aki Kurose Middle School 
• Melissa Graham, Bailey Gatzert Elementary 
• Sarah Im, Bailey Gatzert Elementary 
• Melissa Woodbridge, Bailey Gatzert Elementary 
• Robert Barnum-Reece, Ballard High School 
• Rachel Pendergast, Dearborn Park International 
• Fred Evans, Denny International Middle School 
• Nicole Sorensen, Emerson Elementary  
• Courtney Ryan, Green Lake Elementary  
• Megan Barnes, Hawthorne Elementary  
• David Sorenson, Hawthorne Elementary  
• Sara Richards, Lincoln High School 
• Karen So, Lincoln High School 
• Alison Havran, Mercer International Middle School 
• Ileana Sherry, Mercer International Middle School 
• Allison Halley, Rising Star Elementary 
• Cynthia Coulthard, Roosevelt High School 
• Kristina Wooten, Seattle Public Schools 
• Alexandra Tyshler, Thurgood Marshall Elementary 
• Shaniah Bivens, West Seattle Elementary  

Recertified National Board Certified Teachers: 

• Justin Sklar, Aki Kurose Middle School 
• Edwin Cebrian, Bailey Gatzert Elementary  
• Alexander Jones, Bryant Elementary  
• Ina Shepard, Chief Sealth International High School 
• Adam Christopulos, Cleveland STEM High School 
• Tricia Deville, Dunlap Elementary School 
• Jonas Crimm, Franklin High School 
• Kimberly Ransiear, Greenwood Elementary  
• Jenifer Wyman, Lawton Elementary  
• Molly Goodell, McClure Middle School 
• Nicholas Schiermeyer, Rainier Beach High School 
• Kara Macdonald, Roosevelt High School 
• Judson Miller, Roosevelt High School 
• Katarina Ferguson, Roxhill Elementary  
• Margaret Lang, Salmon Bay K-8 
• Janette Mackay, Seattle Public Schools 
• Corey Martin, Seattle Public Schools 
• Michaela Koerner Storkman, Thornton Creek Elementary 
• Lucas Gaffey, West Seattle High School 
• Jeffrey Ursino, West Seattle High School 
• Peter Weschler, West Woodland Elementary