By: Amanda Klare, NBCT – Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
The words of my high school volleyball coach, echoing in my mind even now, "Never become complacent," have been a driving force throughout my life. It’s a mantra that has pushed me not just to be better for myself, but to strive for excellence so that I can lift others up as well.
This pursuit of growth led me to embark on the journey of National Board Certification. It was a path paved with introspection and self-discovery. Watching myself teach and hearing my voice in those early recordings was a humbling experience. It forced me to confront my weaknesses, like my tendency to dominate classroom discussions. But it also illuminated my strengths, and more importantly, it ignited a desire for continuous improvement. That initial "aha" moment, realizing I needed to empower my students’ voices more than my own, was a turning point in my teaching career.
Achieving certification in 2013 was a moment of pure exhilaration. The fireworks on my phone screen symbolized a culmination of effort and a validation of my dedication. But the true reward went beyond the credentials. It was the newfound confidence, the unshakeable belief in my ability to lead from within the classroom, that became my most treasured takeaway.
A decade later, the journey of renewal brought fresh insights. Confronting my teaching style once again, I saw growth. I saw a teacher who had learned to step back, to facilitate rather than dictate, to foster an environment where student inquiry took center stage. The fireworks in 2023 felt different, a testament to years of evolution and refinement.
This journey, however, is far from over. Complacency is the antithesis of growth. I will continue to evolve, learn, and refine my craft. My students deserve a teacher who is dedicated to their own development and who embodies the very principles of lifelong learning. In 2028, I will be ready for those fireworks, ready to celebrate the teacher I have become and the teacher I am still striving to be. This is not just a goal; it is a promise.
