Published on: Thursday, February 16, 2012

By Alexis A. Goring

Maryland is home to the No. 1 schools in the country, according to Education Week, and Prince George’s County Public Schools claims a Blue Ribbon elementary school among other recent honors.

“In the face of increasing standards, they displayed a commitment to highly-effective instruction and achieved measurable results,” said Superintendent William Hite Jr. “Prince George’s County Public Schools looks at Whitehall Elementary with pride.”

Whitehall Elementary School in Bowie was named a Blue Ribbon School on Jan. 17 by the Maryland State Department of Education. It is one of only six schools in the state and the only school in Prince George’s County to receive the honor.

“I’m very excited because it’s a culmination of a lot of hard work that my teachers, students and parents have put in over the last several years,” said Whitehall Principal Jerenze Campbell. “We work hard day in and day out, and it’s good to be recognized for your hard work.”

Whitehall is committed to its vision of “Educating Children Beyond Expectations,” Campbell said, by “going the extra mile to make sure we meet the needs of our low and high achievers.”

“We differentiate instruction to meet needs, and we take sincere interest in the children,” Campbell said. “I attend ball games and recitals and things of that nature to show that we have a true interest in the child besides them just being in their school.”

Whitehall instrumental music teacher Laura Miller recently received her National Board Certification — a distinction that made Campbell proud.

“She’s been with us since we opened up seven years ago, and she gives her best to the students in helping them learn their instrument,” Campbell said. “It’s a noble achievement, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It means she is reflecting in her practice. She knows what it takes to get the best out of children and help them succeed and learn their instrument.”

Miller was one of 48 PGCPS educators to achieve National Board Certifications.

“Achieving National Board Certification requires substantial time, dedication and skill, but the reward comes in the classroom,” Hite said in a press release. “By helping teachers to hone their craft, the program aids in our efforts to ensure highly effective instruction in all classrooms. I commend the teachers who have achieved this honor and hope they will serve as inspiration to their colleagues.”

Jasmine Brann, Spanish and French teacher at High Point High School in Beltsville, also received her National Board Certification. Brann decided to pursue the certification because she was interested in perfecting her craft, she said.

“I was one of the (National Board Certified Teachers) invited to the White House to participate in a forum on education and teacher retention in December. This recognition is beginning to open many doors for me professionally,” Brann said.

The road to receiving certification can be described as both challenging and life-changing for the teacher undergoing the process.

“In becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, I was challenged to question a lot about my practice and educational philosophies,” Brann said. “I always thought I was a good teacher, however, this process has made me an even better teacher because I am more intentional and reflective about what I do in and out of the classroom.”

Brann plans to use her certification to enhance the curriculum and lesson delivery in her classroom.

“This certification holds me accountable every day to align my instruction with the national standards,” Brann said. “The focus is about what students can do, and I endeavor every day to reach all types of learners. There is no cookie-cutter format in teaching. All students come with various skills and backgrounds. The objective is to make my subject manageable and engaging for everyone.”