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Dysart Gains National Board Certified Teachers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/05/2026
DYSART SCHOOLS - Boasting a total of 67 National Board Certified employees in the district, Dysart Schools had five staff members earn their National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) certifications this year, and sixteen renewed their certification. National certifications are the highest and most rigorous credentials that can be earned for various professions across the U.S. for teachers, psychologists, nurses, occupational and physical therapists and behavior analysts, and are overseen by their respective organizations.
Dysart staff that received National Board certification for the first time include:
- Emily Allen, Teaching and Learning Specialist at Dysart Middle School
- Dr. Felix Bou, School Psychologist
- Zachary Dominguez, School Psychologist
- Andrina Jimenez, Kindergarten Teacher at Thompson Ranch Elementary School
- Christie Kearley, STC Teacher at Cimarron Springs Middle School
Dysart staff that renewed their certification include:
- Bonita Dalton, Occupational Therapist
- Marissa Elder, Occupational Therapist
- Delia Hoke-McCarthy, School Psychologist
- Leigh Ives, School Psychologist
- Crystal Lozada, School Psychologist
- Jeffrey Marquis, School Psychologist
- Cheryl Martin, Teaching and Learning Specialist
- Brittney Moore, Behavior Analyst
- Jacque Nelson, Occupational Therapist
- Zachary Nutongla, Occupational Therapist
- Dana Oken, Occupational Therapist
- Riley O’Neal, School Psychologist
- Jesica Roehm, Special Education Preschool Liaison
- Jean Vogel, ELA Coach at Riverview School
- Renee Whitmire, Occupational Therapist
- Sandra Heide, Occupational Therapist
The teachers that earned their certification were recently recognized by the Arizona K12 Center with a special felt pennant delivery in celebration of their achievement through the National Board Certified Teacher program. Dysart awards all staff members who have earned National Board Certification a stipend equal to 5% of their base salary to honor the hard work and dedication it took to reach this achievement. Additionally, Dysart supports staff members interested in earning the certification by arranging cohort meetings and substitute coverage for two professional days for preparation.
National Board programs are managed by various industry-specific organizations, including the following: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; National Board of Certification of School Nurses; National School Psychology Certification Board; Behavior Analyst Certification Board; National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; and the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
