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Forest Grove elementary teacher earns National Board Certification; district highlights instructional benefits

Forest Grove School District Board of Directors · January 14, 2026

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Summary

Joseph Gale kindergarten teacher Erin Sands earned National Board Certification in early childhood literacy; presenters said fewer than 3% of U.S. teachers hold the credential and that the work benefits students and colleagues districtwide.

Joseph Gale Elementary kindergarten teacher Erin Sands was recognized by the Forest Grove School District board on Jan. 13 for earning National Board Certification in early childhood literacy and language arts. Principal and colleagues said the credential represents a rigorous process focused on evidence of impact and reflective practice.

A principal at Joseph Gale noted that with Sands’s certification the district has five nationally board-certified teachers and said the credential helps "strengthen the profession and elevate instructional practices across our schools." Erin Sands described the process as challenging and reflective: "There are 4 components to it. You're allowed 3 years to complete all 4 components... I jumped in and attempted all 4 components... I missed by just a few points last year... I redid 1 component this year... and I found out that I had scored high enough on that 1 component to get those last few points." Board members praised Sands and noted the ripple effect on colleagues and students.

Presenters also offered a statistic from the presentation: "Less than 3 percent of all teachers in the United States are nationally board certified" and cited an even smaller share in Oregon. The board congratulated Sands and encouraged other educators to consider the process.