Plainfield South Teacher Earns Top Professional Recognition

Plainfield South High School World Languages teacher Mary Jones has earned certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Jones was among the 261 Illinois teachers, and 4,117 teachers nationally to earn NBPTS certification this year.

NBPTS certification is widely considered the highest professional recognition for educators. There are now 106,365 NBPTS-certified teachers nationwide, including 5,842 in Illinois.

District 202 now has 17 current or former teachers who have achieved NBPTS certification. 

National Board certification is a rigorous, voluntary assessment program designed to both recognize excellent teachers, and help them improve. 

NBPTS certification typically takes from one to three years to achieve. Candidates must successfully demonstrate advanced and in-depth teaching knowledge, skills and practices.

They must build a portfolio demonstrating their professional acumen, including student work samples, assignments, videotapes and a complete analysis of their classroom teaching. As well, candidates are tested on the subject that they teach.

National Board certification is a huge professional achievement which shows Mrs. Jones’ dedication to excellence in the classroom,” said District 202 Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Harper.

Jones started her education career in 1984 teaching Spanish and English for a year in Kansas City, Kansas.

She also taught Spanish in St. Louis, Missouri for eight years, then for another four years in Aurora, Colorado. 

Jones came to District 202 in 2001 and taught Spanish at PSHS through 2005. She then served as a department chair at Plainfield High School – Central Campus for one year, and assistant principal there for five more years before returning to the classroom at PSHS in 2011.

“This accolade is a testament to Mrs. Jones' tireless devotion to her students,” said Plainfield South High School Principal David Travis, who praised Jones for her ability to inspire excellence among her students.

“This is a well deserved recognition of a true professional who continues to make a positive difference in the students she serves,” he said.