An elementary teacher in the Pella Community School District is among a select group of teachers in the county participating in a nationally-renowned program.

Bethany Tangen teaches science at Jefferson Intermediate School in Pella, and recently renewed her National Board Certification. The program is designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

Tangen tells KNIA/KRLS News she was honored to be renewed after she first became certified in 2008. She says the process can take up to two years and has educators select samples from their classroom practices and provide a written commentary explaining how each sample is influential in using best practices to promote student learning.

Tangen is among 37 teachers in Iowa actively in the program.