* Mrs. Belinda Egan

Bio

My name is Belinda Egan. I have been teaching special education for 8 years. I started my college experience at Joliet Junior College and graduated from there with an associates in art. I went on to enroll at  Illinois State University where I graduated with my bachelors as a learning and behavior specialist.  In those 8 years I have taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade inclusion. I also taught an instructional class for two years with ages ranging from pre-k to first grade.  I love teaching students with special needs. I enjoy watching them grow and become more independent. 

Why did you want to become National Board Certified?

I chose to become certified because I was teaching first grade at the time and I worked around many national board certified teachers. I noticed how highly they spoke of the program and how they used a lot of what they learned in their classrooms. I also loved (unlike a masters program) it focused on skills and lessons you could improve for the class you are currently teaching. I wanted to become well versed in all areas of teaching and become a better teacher overall. 

What was the most difficult aspect of going through the process?

I would say the fact that I went through this process during 2020 made it much more difficult. They shut down the testing center around the time I needed to test and since we left in March I was unable to get all of my data and videos completed. This made it so I had to push back part of my components the following year. 

What was the most rewarding part of the process?

All of my hard work paid off and it felt so good to know that I persevered and finished! It was also rewarding to finish the program with my husband who had completed it the year before me. 

What advice would you give others thinking about starting the process?

I would say go for it! It's a great opportunity to improve your teaching and become the best teacher you can possibly be. 

How has this made you a better educator?

It has made me a more well rounded teacher. I have learned to really analyze my data and testing results to make meaningful changes that benefit my students long term. I feel that it has made me better at reflecting on my lessons as well. I am able to go back to the standards I learned and apply them daily.