Congratulations to the ACPS 2025-26 School Year New and Renewed National Board Certified Teachers!

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) celebrated the school division’s 11 new and renewed National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) for the 2025-26 school year at the School Board meeting on March 26, 2026.  

“Congratulations to our new and renewed National Board Certified Teachers whose dedication is demonstrated by their commitment to teaching and maintaining the industry’s highest standards,” said Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt in recognizing ACPS teachers who have earned the teaching profession’s highest honor. 

Newly Certified National Board Teachers:

• Rendy Brown - George Washington Middle School, teacher of students with specialized instruction - exceptional needs specialist/early childhood through adulthood
• Olivia Hupp - Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School, teacher of students with specialized instruction - exceptional needs specialist/early childhood through adulthood
• Allyson Noble - George Washington Middle School, English Learner (EL) teacher - English as a new language/early adolescence through young adulthood
• Jessa Raitzyk - Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School, instructional coach - early childhood generalist
• Caitlin Schnure - Charles Barrett Elementary School, early childhood special education teacher - exceptional needs specialist/early childhood through young adulthood

Teachers Who Maintained National Board Certification:

• Brenda Barnes-Paschal - Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, English Learner (EL) teacher - early childhood generalist
• Lindsay Gadziala - Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, third grade teacher - early childhood generalist
• Andrea Heckel - George Mason Elementary School, instructional coach, data coach, school testing coordinator - literacy: reading and language arts - early to middle childhood
• Katie Kessinger - Mount Vernon Community School, technology integration specialist - middle childhood generalist
• Monica Pendergast - Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, reading specialist - literacy: reading and language arts- early to middle childhood
• Edgardo Rivera - Alexandria City High School, teacher of students with specialized instruction - exceptional needs specialist/ early childhood through adulthood

NBCT certification helps to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and provides numerous benefits including:

• Improving student achievement and learning.
• Offering an opportunity for teachers to grow and challenge themselves.
• Recognizing accomplished teachers.
• NBCT certification may also lead to increased salary and leadership opportunities.

Through NBCT, dedicated teachers demonstrate their commitment to teaching and maintaining the industry’s highest standards. Congratulations to our 2025-26 school year’s new and renewed NBCTs.