Meet Michelle Staine, current instructional math coach at 49th Street Elementary, soon-to-be third-grade teacher in 2025-26. She brings 23 years of experience, dedication, leadership, and heart to her work. We connected to discuss her journey to become a National Board Certified educator. 

Inspired by her sister, partner, and daughter, Michelle completed the rigorous National Board Certification (NBC) process in December 2024. She was certified as a middle childhood generalist in one year with support from the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools. “The Partnership didn’t do the work for me—they asked the right questions, helped me carry the cognitive load, and made sure I stayed grounded in evidence and student outcomes.”

She pursued NBC to deepen her pedagogical practice, refine her coaching, and reconnect with what matters most in teaching: knowing each student deeply and designing instruction that truly meets their needs. She believes effective teaching requires content knowledge and the ability to help students make interdisciplinary connections and grow as critical thinkers.

“I wanted to challenge myself in a different way,” she reflects. “As a coach, it was important for me to sharpen and refine my pedagogical skills, not just for myself, but so I could better support teachers and students.” She now brings this refined lens into her practice—co-planning and co-teaching alongside educators, and centering differentiated instruction, data-driven planning, and student voice. 

Throughout the process, Michelle chose to focus on a range of students—from English learners to students with special needs—learning to tailor instruction through a deep understanding of each child’s unique profile. “The deeper I knew my students, the more effective I became. It wasn’t just about data points; it was about tangible growth I could feel and see.”

Family played a big role in her journey. Her sister is an LAUSD kindergarten teacher and National Board Certified educator; and her partner, a third-grade teacher, completed the process alongside her. Her six-year-old daughter was also part of the journey, watching her mother’s dedication and proudly celebrating the achievement. “Telling her I was being recognized as one of the best teachers in the country—she was beaming.”

Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, she’s considering returning to the classroom full-time. “Instruction is where my heart lives,” she says. “This experience reminded me why I do this work. It’s about joy, connection, and helping every student reach their full potential. It reminded me that content knowledge alone isn’t enough. You need to know your students intimately—who they are, what their strengths are, and where they need support.”