Four additional teachers make the grade

Four more Oconee public school teachers have completed the stringent National Board process. The additions of Chandra Black of Fair-Oak Elementary, Kelley Smith of Keowee Elementary and Katherine Elliott and Brandy Head, both of Walhalla Middle School makes 102 Oconee teachers National Board Certified. They receive incentives, including up to $7,500 a year pay raise for every year they teach after receiving certification for the 10-year life of their certificates. To gain certification, the teachers are analyzed and critiqued by national assessors for their classroom teaching, their work with students, community and professional activities, and their ability to pass a comprehensive exam in their teaching area.