Meet Stephanie Curry (she/her), kindergarten teacher at Weigand Avenue Elementary. Stephanie recently received her National Board Certification, and below she tells us more about her experience, the importance of reflection, and how to build a learning environment where students feel safe. 

Stephanie Curry (left), kindergarten teacher and NBCT at Weigand Ave. Elementary with Genevieve Debose (right), Partnership literacy coach and NBCT at Markham Middle School, celebrating at Partnership’s NBCT Pinning Ceremony on March 4, 2026.

As a kindergarten educator committed to building strong foundations for every learner, Stephanie Curry pursued National Board Certification (NBC) to deepen her practice and better align her instructional decisions with what students truly need to succeed.

“As an early childhood educator, I work with students at a critical stage in their development, when strong foundations in literacy, language, and mathematical thinking shape their future learning,” she said. 

Stephanie saw the NBC certification process as an opportunity to engage in meaningful reflection, closely analyze student learning, and refine her teaching with intention. Just as importantly, it offered a pathway to contribute to a broader culture of professional growth and collaboration within her school community.

While daily teaching often involves quick, informal adjustments, NBC required a more deliberate and systematic examination of her teaching practice. “I examined how I design lessons, how I respond to student thinking in the moment, and how I adjust instruction based on evidence of learning,” she shared. The experience strengthened her ability to connect assessment, instruction, and outcomes, reinforcing a core belief that “effective teaching is not just about delivering content. It is about creating responsive learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.”

Balancing the rigorous demands of NBC alongside full-time teaching and leadership responsibilities proved to be one of the most significant challenges. Stephanie shared that the written analysis demanded depth and precision, requiring her to thoughtfully articulate the reasoning behind every instructional move. She persevered. She stayed focused on her purpose: improving her practice and student outcomes. 

“I also relied on collaboration with colleagues and my professional network, which reminded me that growth in teaching is strengthened through shared reflection and support,” she noted.

In the classroom, Stephanie’s vision of teaching and learning comes to life in moments both big and small. One especially meaningful experience involved a student who had been struggling with foundational reading skills. When that student successfully blended sounds to read a new word independently, “[t]he excitement in the room was contagious, not just from that student, but from classmates who celebrated the success as well.” Moments like that reflect the learning environment Stephanie strives to create. An environment where students feel safe to take risks, where progress is recognized, and where every student begins to see themselves as capable readers and thinkers.

For educators considering NBC, Stephanie’s advice is to “view the process as an opportunity for professional growth rather than simply completing the certification components.” When grounded in that mindset, the experience becomes a powerful tool for strengthening practice, using student data more intentionally, collaborating with colleagues to refine strategies, and building meaningful partnerships with families. “Ultimately, the process helps you become even more intentional in how you design instruction to meet the needs of every student.”

Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher is a prestigious achievement that reflects an educator’s expertise, dedication, and impact in the classroom. Our Partnership team members Alex Karas, senior coordinator of coaching and teacher leadership, and Michael Ramirez, director of coaching and teacher leadership, support Partnership educators pursuing NBC.