Piedmont is leading the pack when it comes to advanced education opportunities for students and higher training for their teachers.

Angela Studdard, who teaches an advanced math class at Piedmont High – undertook the process of undergoing a series of rigorous evaluations about three years ago to obtain her National Board Certification; since that time 24% of the teachers at Piedmont have earned the same certification.

Starting in 2010 the Piedmont system began offering incentives to those teachers wishing to earn the certification; those achieving the goal have given their system an average considerably higher than the statewide average of 4.5% and the national average of 3%.

According to the Anniston Star, Piedmont Schools Superintendent Matt Akin said the school had offered to pay the $2,500 cost of the program for each teacher who signed up; additionally – they offered two additional paid off days to work on the certification process.  Also teachers who earn the accreditation are promised $5,000 in extra pay by the state for ten years.

One of the most beneficial aspects of that program – according to local teachers – is that it causes them assess their own performance and consider ways they might improve.

Their work during the process is evaluated against national standards by teachers from across the country.

(Anniston Star/www.annistonstar.com)