In this episode we hear from Daniela Robles, Executive Director of the Arizona K12 Center as she discusses her journey to becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, the history of the Arizona K12 Center, and how the two intersected more than once. From an organization that began by giving grants to external professional development opportunities, to providing those opportunities directly, as well as adding mentorship and support for new and experienced teachers, the Arizona K12 center has grown. Prior to the pandemic, the center was able to fund 7 districts, but since 2020 that has grown to 33 programs throughout the state.
The Arizona K12 Center is instrumental in providing training and guidance for those pursuing NBCT status which is how Ms. Robles first worked with the center. Not long after becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, Ms. Robles worked with the center on the Mitchell 20 project which involved teachers in a single school banding together to become NCBTs in order to better serve their students. The documentary created from this project can be found at www.mitchell20.com/about.
In addition, the Arizona K12 Center has many upcoming opportunities for professional development including their 19th Annual Teacher Leader Institute being held in Tucson June 24-26th, 2024, a one-day Voices for Impact event this spring, as well as in-person Cognitive Coaching offerings. Information on these events as well as several other programs can be found at azK12.org/events.
In parting, Ms. Robles recommends the book The Necessary Journey: Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion by Ella Washington.
