Somerset County Public Schools

Given any thought to becoming a National Board Certified Teacher? Read about Ms. Anna Breland's journey and why NBC is worth it!
My journey to National Board Certification began years before I uploaded a file for my portfolio or recorded a lesson. During my interview for Somerset County Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 2014, I mentioned my dream of one day becoming National Board Certified. At the time it seemed far off, something I’d tackle when the stars aligned.
Life, as it has a habit of doing, took a turn.
Instead of diving headfirst into the world of National Board Certification, I went to school to get my second Master’s degree, I started my baking business, and grew my family.
Fast forward to September 2022. My classroom neighbor stopped by my room to ask one simple question: "Do you want to be my National Board buddy?" Without hesitation, I replied, "Sure!"
I had no idea that a simple, "sure" would launch me into one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my professional life. Eager to get the ball rolling, I jumped right in and signed up for all four NB components at once!! I thought it would be much like getting a degree - log in, do your work, submit, move on. Oh, how naive I was!!
National Board Certification required me to do so much more!
It demanded that I reflect, be vulnerable, be intentional, and push myself analytically like never before. At the same time, life did not slow down. I continued teaching my students with the same passion and commitment I always had. I was raising three children, growing my baking business, and balancing countless responsibilities at home and at school. There were long nights, early mornings, moments of doubt, and times when I wondered how I would fit it all in. I spent my fair share of late nights, early mornings, time in tears, but I stayed my course... The process asked me to dissect every aspect of my teaching. I was blessed to have the most supportive
Why did I make this choice? What impact did that choice have on student learning?
I uncovered strengths that I had perhaps not yet fully realized and areas that needed and would continue to benefit from growth. I became more intentional, more reflective, and ultimately, a better teacher.
And then it was December 9, 2023 and I saw them - fireworks!
I was officially National Board Certified in World Languages. Dream. Come. True!
While the certification is an amazing honor in and of itself, the journey I traveled to get there was the true gift. National Board Certification not only has changed how I think about teaching and learning, it has reignited my love for this profession, made me a stronger and more deliberate educator, and reinforced my belief that no matter how many years we spend in the classroom, there is always more to discover and explore.
The dream that started as something I expressed during an interview back in 2014 became a reality just shy of a decade later. In hindsight, every detour, every stumbling block, and every bit of growth I experienced throughout my journey has been a lesson learned and an integral piece of the educator I am today. Standing beside fellow National Board Certified Teachers, Professional Learning Facilitators, Ambassadors, and Lead Teachers, I proudly carry with me the dream I dared to share so long ago.
My advice to those considering National Board Certification - DO IT! Sign up, persevere, grow as an educator, learn, reflect, and reignite your passion for teaching!

Interested in National Board Certification In Somerset County Public Schools? Go For It! Read Ms. Amanda Lankford's story!
I have been saying I was going to pursue National Board Certification "one of these days" for years. When Maryland and SCPS began covering the cost of submitting the portfolios, I decided I had run out of excuses and it was time to do it.
I have always known that I didn't want to become an administrator. I love teaching. I love working with students every day, and I wanted to find a way to continue my professional growth without leaving the classroom. National Board Certification made that possible. Now, with the Lead and Distinguished Teacher positions on the new career ladder, I can stay where I love being while also working with and supporting other teachers. It's exactly what I have always wanted to do!
My biggest obstacle was honestly me. I'm a procrastinator. At first, the directions felt so vague that I wasn't even sure where to begin. I kept waiting until I understood it better, when what I really needed to do was just start. Once I dug into the components, everything began to make sense.
The biggest lesson I learned came from Component 4. Having to use evidence to show how I was meeting my students' needs forced me to become much more intentional about setting specific, measurable goals based on the kids sitting in my classroom, not just what objective I was planning to teach. It changed the way I think about instruction and made me a better teacher.
National Board Certification has also given me confidence in ways I didn't expect. It's rewarding when other teachers come to me for ideas or ask me to mentor them because they recognize the work and reflection that earning this certification represents. It's nice to be viewed as an expert, but even more importantly, I know I'm a better teacher today than I was before I started the process.
If you're thinking about pursuing National Board Certification, my advice is just do it. Don't let the uncertainty at the beginning keep you from getting started. The process will challenge you, and help you discover both your strengths and the areas where you can grow. You'll come out a stronger and better educator.
Seeing those fireworks when the scores were released was one of the best professional moments of my career. I won't pretend that my first paycheck with the National Board salary increase wasn't pretty exciting too! But the greatest reward has been knowing that I became the teacher my students deserve and that I can now help other teachers along that same journey.
-Ms. Amanda Lankford
-SCPS Lead Teacher

Preparing students for careers in science and healthcare, Ms. Angelisa Hosfield brings real-world relevance into the Biomedical Sciences classroom at Somerset County Technical High School. As the school’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year candidate, she leads hands-on learning experiences that connect directly to future opportunities.

We wish Ms. Hosfield and all Somerset Teacher of the Year finalists the best of luck. The Elementary, Secondary, and overall Somerset Teacher of the Year will be announced at the 2026–2027 Somerset Teacher of the Year Banquet and Awards Ceremony on March 27, 2026.

In Sarah Mister’s classroom at Somerset Intermediate School, her 6th grade students are building both math skills and confidence. A 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year candidate, she emphasizes problem-solving and plays an active role in supporting a positive school climate.

We wish Ms. Mister and all Somerset Teacher of the Year finalists the best of luck. The Elementary, Secondary, and overall Somerset Teacher of the Year will be announced at the 2026–2027 Somerset Teacher of the Year Banquet and Awards Ceremony on March 27, 2026.

2026-2027 Somerset Teacher of the Year candidate, Ms. Susan Finlayson, brings learning to life in her first grade classroom at Princess Anne Elementary through hands-on experiences, including outdoor science in the Monarch Waystation Garden. .

We wish Ms. Finlayson and all Somerset Teacher of the Year finalists the best of luck. The Elementary, Secondary, and overall Somerset Teacher of the Year will be announced at the 2026–2027 Somerset Teacher of the Year Banquet and Awards Ceremony on March 27, 2026.