New stars are being added to the honor wall at the Madison City Schools Central Office.

The new stars represent the 25 MCS teachers who just became National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) and the 11 that attained their required renewal every five years. Well more than 100 such stars now adorn the honor wall at the MCS Central Office.

The teachers were recognized at the January 29th, 2026 Board of Education meeting.

The newest NBCT teachers with their "stars" at the MCS Central Office  (1/29/2026). Pictured in no particular order:Emily Albert, Taylor Blevins, Emily Bounds, Tonya Brogden,
Kelly Brunson, Olivia Chambers, Kelli Ducy, Elizabeth Green,
Amanda Haynes, Joy Hearrington, LaParis James, Norma Malone, Melissa Marowski, Robin McConnell, Rachel Nelson, Mason Overcash, Colleen Paine, Amy Ramsdell, Matthew Rytting, Alicia Sanders, Shandi Silk, Bryant Starkey, Logan Thomas, Mary Thomas, Jennifer Tubbs.

Madison City Schools teachers who recertified their NBCT . Shown in no particular order and with some missing: are Judy Bagwell, Stephanie Bostick, Lauren Cecil, Peggy Dupree, Paige Green, Sophia Hall, Kiley Rikard, Lory Schieler, Susan Rader, Elizabeth Woodard, Clint Woodfin. 

The latest installment raises to 122 the number of NBCTs in Madison City Schools - among the highest in the state regardless of school district size.
In addition to the new NBCTs, the following MCS teachers recently completed their NBCT renewal that is required every five years: 

More than a decade of research from across the country demonstrates the positive impact that National Board Certified Teachers have on student achievement, Studies show that students taught by Board Certified Teachers gain an extra 1-2 months learning each school year, and the positive impact of having a Board Certified Teacher is even greater for minority, and low-income students.
Dr. Heather Donaldson, Chief Academic Officer for MCS, introduced the new and recertified NBCTs at the Jan. 29, 2026, Board meeting. She said the greater learning impact comes from NBCT teachers propelled by more rigorous professional analysis, reflection and intentionality with regard to their instructional practices.

District support for NBCT training began to ramp up in 2015 with the creation of a mentor and support network to guide NBCT trainees through the process. That help grew to include monetary support through Department of Defense Education Activity grants, the local Committee of 100 and the Schools Foundation.
 
Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols congratulated the new NBCTs, saying they represent the "best of the best" in Madison City Schools. 

Pictured are new National Board Certified Teachers along with several of the 11 MCS teachers who earned NBCT renewals.