Katie Aichele

Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood
through Young Adulthood
2025-2030 

Why did you want to become National Board Certified?
 I wanted to become a National Board Certified teacher to reflect on my teaching strategies as a way to help enhance student outcomes. I also wanted to challenge myself as a teacher and be able to acknowledge when an alternative approach to teaching is needed.  I felt that the National Board process was the right choice because of the professional teaching standards it aligns with.

What was the most difficult aspect of going through the process? 
I think the most difficult aspect of going through the process is being able to critique myself, reflect on my teaching and admit when my approach or strategy is not the best fit for the students in my classroom. Even though we worked as a cohort, I was the only one working on the exceptional needs certification, so my process was a little different and I could not always collaborate with others. There was also the balance of family, children's activities, daily routines, teaching, and gathering evidence and writing extensive papers for the process. 

What was the most rewarding part of the process?
The most rewarding part of the process is learning to break down my teaching methods and assess specific components to be able to meet my students' needs. I became a special education teacher to be able to offer support to students with exceptional needs and the National Board process made me feel as though I can always find a way to offer the best of my teaching to my students. 

How has this made you a better educator?
 It has made me a better educator because I have learned to better reflect my teaching with the national standards used in National Board Certification. I have learned to have more intention with my teaching and instructional decisions. It has helped me build confidence in my instruction and reflection of instruction for my students. 

What advice would you give others thinking about starting the process?
 I would tell those who are thinking of starting the process to not be nervous.  There is great support with the cohort and teachers who have finished the process.