Kaye Hamilton Fulkerson, a kindergarten teacher at Deer Park Elementary School, has earned designation as a National Board Certified Teacher by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Fulkerson’s certification is in the area of Early Childhood Literacy: Reading/Language Arts.
Fulkerson was recognized at the DCPS Board of Education meeting last night.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an organization that is dedicated to improving schools and student learning by strengthening the quality of those who teach. The board sponsors a National Certification Process that measures a teacher’s practices against high standards of excellence. This involves an extensive series of performance-based assessments that includes teaching portfolios, student work samples, videotapes and a thorough analysis of the candidates’ classroom teaching and student learning. Teachers also complete a series of written exercises that explore the depth of their subject-matter knowledge as well as their understanding of how best to teach these subjects to their students.
It is an extremely demanding process and only an elite few who attempt it are successful.
“This achievement is a reflection of Kaye’s dedication to advancing her own education,” said Owens Saylor, DCPS Superintendent. “By challenging herself to meet this professional standard of excellence, she exemplifies her commitment to our district mission of providing a world-class education for our students, delivered by the best possible teachers.”
Fulkerson earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
She began her career 10 years ago as a fourth-grade writing teacher at Deer Park Elementary School. After four years, writing assessments moved to the fifth grade and Fulkerson also moved to that grade level. She later taught first grade for three years and now teaches kindergarten at DPES.
“I am always open to the newest educational ideas and seek various ways to reach the individual needs of each and every child,” Fulkerson said. “I hope to be a role model for my students and my own children as they benefit from my commitment to education and professional growth as evidence of my dedication to this profession.”
