Granite School District celebrates teachers achieving National Board Certification and counseling awards

The March 4, 2025, Board of Education meeting in Utah highlighted significant achievements in the education community, particularly recognizing outstanding teachers and counselors for their dedication and impact on student success.

One of the key discussions centered around the National Board Certification, a prestigious professional accreditation for teachers. This certification process is rigorous and voluntary, aimed at recognizing educators who meet high standards of teaching practice. Teachers must demonstrate their content knowledge, instructional strategies, and classroom impact through portfolios, video recordings, and reflective writings. The meeting celebrated the accomplishments of newly certified teacher Melinda Ray from Skyline High School, along with five teachers who successfully recertified: Deborah Cottrell, Stacy Stosic, Audren Damron, Heather Langley Sykes, and others. Their achievements underscore a commitment to excellence and a passion for fostering student success.

Additionally, the meeting recognized the Granger High School Counseling Team, awarded the Utah School Counseling Association Team of the Year. The team, which includes several dedicated counselors, was commended for their innovative approaches to student support, including personalized academic planning and career readiness initiatives. Their efforts have contributed to a notable increase in college enrollment rates among students.

Danny Natter, a counselor from Taylorsville High School, was honored as the Utah School Counselor of the Year. Her leadership in developing a college and career readiness system has set a standard for other districts. Natter's commitment to student advocacy and her ability to connect with students and staff were highlighted as key factors in her recognition.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of dedicated educators and counselors in shaping the future of students, reinforcing the board's commitment to supporting excellence in education across the state.