Olsen earns national teacher certification

Thermopolis Middle School sixth grade science and social studies teacher Tom Olsen traveled to Cheyenne a few weeks ago, where he was presented his National Board of Teachers Certification.

Olsen knew he had successfully completed the program in November, and explained it can be up to a three-year process. In his first year, he was required to submit four entries, each one averaging 25-35 pages.

These entries must be submitted in early May, and he was also required to do six assessments in Billings, Mont. before early June.

Olsen then had to wait until November of the same year before he knew if he was successful. His first year, he was not and was given until early May the following year to resubmit entries.

That second year, the news was much better, as he learned he had made it.

Candidates who miss the second year, he noted, still have a third to try.

As for the entries themselves, Olsen's four papers covered topics of: Science with Math integrated, Social Studies with a focus on community, The Writing Process and The Accomplished Teacher. This final entry, he explained, required him to provide documentation from inside and outside the classroom that proved him to be a leader, learner and collaborator. Two videos were also shot of Olsen's teaching.

Olsen's initial motivation for obtaining the certification, he said, was because "it's a nice monetary adjustment," but as he continued through, he thought more about his teaching style, different types of kids and how that teaching might be modified.

He pointed out he's modified his style after 29 years, and it can sometimes be "hard to teach an old dog new tricks."

Looking ahead, Olsen said he has been visiting with Principal Breez Daniels about what he can do next. Being 5-10 years out of retirement, he doesn't want to stop the challenges and is looking at earning his Master's in Science.

Since earning his certification, which lasts for 10 years, Olsen also has the opportunity to become a Candidate Support Provider, giving support to those teachers considering the certification process.