Mercer Island teachers Rebecca Lewis of Mercer Island High School, Tonya Van Orden and Cary Spitz of Islander Middle School, and Jill Lyons of Lakeridge Elementary earned National Board Certification, the Mercer Island School District announced Dec. 6.

“Attaining this national standard for teaching excellence is commendable and deserves recognition,” said Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano in a press release. “I am thrilled that these four teachers are the latest in our district to reach such an impressive professional goal that will impact their work with our students.”

National Board Certification reflects an advanced teaching credential. Teachers must analyze their teaching context and students’ needs, submit videos of their teaching and provide student work samples that demonstrate growth and achievement. The peer-reviewed certification process ensures Board-certified teachers have proven skills to advance student achievement.