Charles Wright fifth grade teacher Carie Olsen was recently “board certified” by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Board certification requires completing a multi-year process that established Olsen possesses a high level of proficiency as a teacher, as opposed to teacher certification, which signifies that one has met minimum state standards for entrance into the profession.

“I decided originally to pursue National Board certification because my provisional Washington teaching certificate was expiring, and my options were Professional Certification or National Board,” explains Olsen. “The National Board seemed a more enriching experience, and would force me to reflect on my practice deeply, which is hard to make time to do. People thought I might be crazy because I did it in a year that I was pregnant, raising a toddler, and teaching a new grade, but it turned out to be a great growing experience. The best thing to come out of it for me was a realization of which areas of the curriculum needed more structure, which I have been able to address this year.”

“I love my job because every day is truly a new learning experience for me,” says Olsen. “When I walk through the door, I don’t know what the kids will bring to me, but I know that together we’ll find creative, fun ways to support each other, grow, and learn from experiences throughout the year. During the last two years I’ve had the opportunity to learn not only about measuring angles, history of Jamestown, and subjects and predicates, but about adolescent development, technology in the classroom, anorexia, dyslexia, generosity, and the importance of drinking water for brain functioning!”

“Carie gives careful thought to all that she does in her classroom, tending to each child’s learning needs and creating experiences that engage and motivate every learner,” said Lower School Head Diane Hunt. “Her warmth, humor, and unsinkable optimism blend together with her clear understanding of how children learn resulting in a perfect formula for magical inspiration.”

The NBPTS is not directly associated with public or private education, but is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the level of recognition of excellent teachers.

According to CWA Headmaster Rob Camner, teachers who have pursued this feel that aside from the honor, the process one goes through to earn certification is among the most valuable professional development opportunities they have experienced.

Olsen joins Tony Chursky as the only two teachers who have earned this honor while employed at Charles Wright. Olsen joined the Charles Wright faculty in 2000. She has both a bachelors degree and masters in education from Smith College.