Hi, I’m Jill and I just completed my 11th year as a public school kindergarten teacher in Louisiana. I teach my students the importance of being a lifelong learner and to model this belief for them I have decided to work toward obtaining my National Board Certification. This will enable me to become a better educator to the children in my community while also being able to provide more for my family, as this certification will result in a pay raise.

There are four components—each costing $475–for a total certification cost of $1900. I have already completed two of the four components and see the benefits in my classroom as I become a better educator.

Kindergarten sets the stage for our children, academically and socially. They learn to be a part of society, to be kind, to read, to write, to solve problems, to stand up for themselves, and so much more. While I am hoping to increase my salary through this certification, I am also excited to provide the best education possible for our future leaders.