For Dr. Amy Sarmiento, a school counselor, earning National Board Certification was more than a professional accomplishment. It renewed her passion, strengthened her practice and helped her support both students and colleagues more intentionally.
Sarmiento said the process pushed her to think more deeply about student outcomes, post-secondary planning and students’ social-emotional needs. It also helped her become more intentional with planning, reflection and using student and family needs assessments to better understand and respond to student needs.
The impact has extended beyond her own work.
“I don’t feel like it just helped me,” Sarmiento said. “Because I bring back what I learned to my PLC, it not only helps student outcomes but also helps my colleagues.”
Her advice to other educators considering National Board Certification is simple: “Do it. Really do it. Join the support that JCPS offers.”
For Sarmiento, National Boards were not “something extra.” It was meaningful professional learning directly connected to the work she does every day.
Q&A with Dr. Sarmiento
Why did you want to pursue National Board Certification?
The stipend initially caught my attention, but once I looked at the components, I became excited. It helped me feel creative again and rejuvenated my passion for the work.
How did National Boards impact your work with students?
It helped me become more intentional with academic and post-secondary planning while also focusing more deeply on students’ social-emotional needs.
What changed in your practice?
I became more reflective about my planning and outcomes. I also began using student and family needs assessments and creating lessons focused on social-emotional well-being.
How has National Board Certification helped your PLC?
The learning did not stop with me. I bring what I learned back to my PLC, which helps strengthen collaboration, improve planning, and better support student outcomes.
Was the process challenging?
Yes. It was not easy, but it pushed me in the best way.
What would you say to other educators considering National Boards?
Do it. Really do it. Take advantage of the supports JCPS offers. The cohort helped keep me on pace, and the process can help turn good practice into great practice.