Voyles renews National Board Certification

Darcey Voyles, an English teacher at Tuscola Community High School, is one of thousands of teachers across the United States to renew their certification as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). National Board Certification is a voluntary program established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Recognized nationwide, the National Board believes higher standards for teachers means better learning for students. Achievement of certification and renewal is seen as the education profession’s highest mark of accomplished teaching.

In order to become a Board-certified teacher, candidates voluntarily complete a rigorous certification program that consists of four components: assessment of content knowledge, reflection on student work samples, video and analysis of teaching practice, and documentation of the impact of assessment and collaboration on student learning. These components identify the essential knowledge and skills required to advance student learning and achievement. The year-long process is a serious commitment of time and energy and requires educators to demonstrate how their activities, both inside and outside the classroom, strengthen student performance and contribute to student achievement.

Voyles, who holds both a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in English, is in the middle of her 16th year as an English teacher at Tuscola Community High School and first achieved National Board Certification in 2011. During her tenure at TCHS, Voyles has served in a number of capacities including as a faculty representative on the MTSS team, National Honors Society Advisor, and Teacher Leader for educational travel tours abroad. Since 2014, Voyles has taken 20 students overseas to explore cities and landmarks in countries such as Austria, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland. Unfortunately, her most recent educational tour to England and France has been on hold due to the pandemic. Currently, Voyles serves TCHS as a faculty representative on the PERA Committee as well as Faculty Advisor for Key Club and Prom, positions she has held for over a decade.