Price will come to District 89 from Wheaton's Edison Middle School, where she has been employed as an assistant principal since 2001. She has also worked as an assistant principal at Hubble Middle School in Wheaton and at Jay Stream School in Carol Stream. Prior to becoming an administrator, Price taught the 6th and 2nd grades in Carol Stream. She earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Administrative Certification from Northern Illinois University.

"Kim brings a solid skill set in understanding students and their needs, best practices in curriculum, assessment, and special education," said Superintendent Dr. John S. Perdue. "She will be a great asset to the District 89 administrative team."

Marhoefer has served as Principal at Westfield for the last four years.

Carroso works as an RtI (Response to Intervention) Coach and as a Learning Behavior Specialist, and she has been employed with District 89 for 11 years. She was nominated by her peers for the prestigious award.

"Over the past two years, Debra has been instrumental in helping to create District 89's framework for RtI, and piloting accompanying strategies that allow all kids achieve optimal success in their classrooms," said Briar Glen Principal Emily Tammaru. "She is very knowledgeable of best practices and diligently stays abreast of current research that can help her students."

Carroso was chosen from a talented field of candidates from Districts 41, 89 and 87 in the Glen Ellyn Area.

An "extraordinary group," is how U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan referred to this year's class of National Board Certified Teachers. He said teachers and school counselors who have achieved National Board Certification this year have "demonstrated a commitment of taking their teaching practice to an entirely different level," adding, "these are amazing leaders."

"I strongly believe that education is a life long process and I am constantly looking for opportunities to make myself a better educator," said Shekar. "National Board Certification provided me with that opportunity."

A voluntary assessment program designed to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers, National Board Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each state, NBCTs have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices.

"National Board Certification is a growing education reform movement that is reshaping American education," said Joseph A. Aguerrebere, NBPTS president and chief executive officer. "We are committed to providing school districts like CCSD89 with high-quality teachers who have a deep knowledge of content and teaching practices to support diverse learners. I am proud that Monica Shekar is among the 82,000 teachers throughout the country who have achieved National Board Certification. These outstanding educators are making a positive difference in the lives of students."

Last year, the highly respected National Research Council of the National Academies found students taught by National Board Certified Teachers make higher gains on achievement tests than students taught by teachers who have not applied or did not achieve certification. The study affirmed the "evidence is clear that National Board Certification distinguishes more effective teachers from less effective teachers with respect to student achievement." The congressionally mandated report also found that National Board Certification has a positive impact on teacher retention and professional development.

"Just as doctors and accountants gain professional certification beyond licensure by demonstrating their expertise, National Board Certified Teachers have met rigorous standards and are among the nation's best," said Aguerrebere.

National Board Certified Teachers consistently receive top teaching honors while representing about two percent of the nation's teaching population. For example:
• Four of the last nine National Teacher of the Year recipients are NBCTs.
• More than a quarter of the 2009 State Teachers of the Year are NBCTs.
• More than one-third of the recipients of the 2008 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are NBCTs.

National Board Certification is recognized as a model of pay-for-performance and is supported by teachers and administrators nationwide. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and hundreds of local school districts recognize National Board Certification as a mark of distinction. Many states and local school districts provide salary incentives and cover the cost for teachers who pursue and achieve this advanced teaching credential.

"We are extremely proud of Monica's efforts and know that District 89's students will benefit greatly from her new certification," said Assistant Superintendent for Learning Dr. Jamie Reilly.

The following is a list of recent press releases distributed by District 89 to local media outlets:

• Bright Red Apple Award 2009
• Academic Excellence Award 2009
• Todd Schrage Named Principal at Glen Crest Middle School
• David Bruno Named Principal at Arbor View Elementary School