ABCTE Celebrates its 1,000th Certification: Traci Brown
Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 2, 2008 -- The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is proud to announce that it has issued its 1,000th certification to Traci Brown. As a former sales support representative, Brown enrolled in ABCTE's Teach and Inspire scholarship program and earned her certificate to teach Biology. Brown plans to start teaching in a Florida school this fall.
The Teach and Inspire program is designed to address the high-need areas of math, science, and special education in Florida schools. "I've always had a passion to teach Biology," says Brown, "I want to pass on my love for science. Also, as an African American woman, I can serve as a positive role model for students of color." Currently, only 16% of teachers nationwide are individuals of color, compared with 41% of the student populations.
Growing up in inner city Los Angeles and moving to Florida during high school, Brown overcame many obstacles in order to reach her goals. She lived in a community where gangs, drugs, and teen pregnancy were common occurrences. Despite these distractions, Brown was able to rise above the negative environment and stay focused on her education. She feels well equipped to motivate students in high-need schools, having faced some of the same situations in her youth. Brown says, "I can give children the inspiration and encouragement to confront their own challenges, surpass negativity and persevere."
Later, Brown went on to pursue her Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. She worked 36 hours a week while going to school full-time, eventually graduating with a degree in Natural Science with an emphasis in Biology. After working in business sales and consulting for almost 8 years, Brown was ready to pursue her goals to help children discover their academic abilities and enrolled in ABCTE's scholarship program. "Without this program," says Brown, "I wouldn't have had the opportunity to pursue teaching."
Dave Saba, President of ABCTE stated, "Our team is very excited about this milestone and even more excited that Traci is our 1000th certification. The ABCTE program is designed to attract career-changers like Traci into teaching. At this rate, we will be issuing our 2000th certification by next year, helping even more students achieve their academic goals."
Currently Brown is seeking a teaching position in Hillsborough, Polk or Duval County and has had a positive experience while interviewing with districts. "ABCTE's materials were so valuable in preparing me for my exams and in my current job search. The New Teacher Hotline and Prepare to Teach workshops improved my confidence in answering some of the tougher interview questions."
"I'm so excited about being the 1000th certification," says Brown, "I look forward to embarking on this new and exciting journey."
The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence is non-profit organization, dedicated to recruiting, certifying and supporting teachers essential for student success. ABCTE offers the Passport to Teaching program - an innovative alternative route to recruiting, certifying and supporting teachers for highly knowledgeable individuals who want to change careers and become teachers. ABCTE is currently developing Distinguished Teacher, an advanced credential for teachers who advance student learning. For more information about ABCTE, please visit http://www.abcte.org
For more information, please contact:
Amber Canidy
Recruitment Coordinator
Phone: 202-263-8303
Cell: 202-725-0657 (media only)
acanidy@abcte.org
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