Scotland County Schools took the time this week to recognize those teachers who took the time to become better instructors.

Before the county Board of Education meeting, the 2008 class of local National Board Certified Teachers were treated to a recognition gala, which included a buffet, a pin presentation, and more than a few pats on the back.

The seven teachers that earned National Board Certification last year were joined by their families, other past National Board Certified Teachers, schools officials and members of the school board for the evening.

Schools' Superintendent Shirley Prince addressed the group as they sat and ate, calling their certification a "big deal" and describing the distinction's significance to the new school board members in attendance.

"When I first came to Scotland County, we had one National Board Certified Teacher ... I'm please to say that we now have 57," Prince said.

Prince credits the board's approval of a program tasked with "nurturing" the efforts of teachers to become board certified.

"Why do we go through this trouble?," Prince queried.

"Simply because it is the best professional development that a teacher can go through."

National Board Certified Teachers go through a rigorous, subject-specific, standardized training program aimed at improving the quality of instruction they offer. The North Carolina Board of Education has encouraged all state schools to promote teacher certification.

Prince went on to thank Alicia Tate, who lead the NBCT mentoring effort in the year 2008, before introducing Laura Britt, who has now assumed Tate's duties.

"I have never seen someone as excited as Laura is about this role," Prince said.

Britt then addressed the audience, calling the name of each new certified teacher and awarding them each pins designed to denote the achievement.

The process to become certified can take as long as three years, and as little as one. For Pam Monroe of Scotland Accelerated Academy, her three year certification process ended when she was informed last November that she qualified.

"I was ecstatic," she said.

Jeannie Brown of South Scotland Elementary School was certified as an exceptional needs specialist. She said that the biggest difference she has noticed since going through the certification process is that she is "more conscious of reflecting on (her) practices and making" that reflection apart of what she does every day.

Monroe agreed with that assessment, saying that "it definitely changes the way you think about what you're going to teach."

Improved teaching practices are not the only practical benefit to certified teachers -- there is also a more lucrative advantage to becoming an NBCT: Certified teachers receive a 12-percent pay increase, which they continue to get for ten years. After ten years they must become re-certified.

Jimmy Bennett, who was recently nominated to the chairman's seat of the school board after Buck Carter's defeat in last year's election, also spoke to the group.

Asked why recognizing board certified teachers is important, Bennett emphasized the time the educators had taken to earn the certification.

"It is very important to recognize them like this because these teachers spend a lot of hours going through this process to become certified. It is a very rigorous program, I have been told, and I am proud of each and every one of them who has made it."

Bennett also stated that he hopes to see the day when every teacher in the county is board certified.

Teachers also enjoyed singing a song about their accomplishments, set to the tune of "High Hopes".

"So every time you see your check, hear the word 'reflect', students grown and you'll know ... It was worth the pain and time you spent. You deserve the joy of 12 percent. Shout and cheer for you're an NBCT!"

The teachers being honored were:

Cathy Collins (Laurel Hill Elementary), Pam Monroe (Scotland Accelerated Academy), Joanna Cole (Shaw Elementary), Jay Lindey (Carver Middle School), Debby Atkins (Carver Middle School), Margaret Johnson (SHS) and Jeannie Brown (South Scotland Elementary).