At its regular monthly meeting on February 10, 2026, the Johnston County Board of Education recognized 11 educators from Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) who recently achieved National Board Certification. The certification is regarded as a significant professional milestone in education and aims to support the development and retention of accomplished teachers.
The National Board Certification process involves a series of performance-based, peer-reviewed assessments. Educators who complete this process demonstrate commitment to student learning, subject knowledge, effective teaching practices, responsibility for managing student progress, and engagement in ongoing professional development.
Those recognized at the meeting included Matthew Adams (South Johnston High), Monica Kuznar (Dixon Road Elementary), Courtney Barefoot (Meadow School), Rae-Ann Headley-Allen (River Dell Elementary), Latonya Foster (Cleveland Elementary), Sherri Cabascango (Cleveland Elementary), Anna Schlesinger (Powhatan Elementary), and Mary Lavely (North Johnston Middle). Jeremy Barbour and Tricia Palmer from Johnston County Early College Academy and Jenna Parker from Corinth Holders High were also honored but not present for the photo.
Janelle Bishop, JCPS Director of Professional Learning, said: “I am incredibly proud of our National Board recipients for the dedication, resilience, and countless hours of hard work they invested to reach this remarkable achievement. The hundreds of hours candidates have spent reflecting on student learning outcomes create lasting, meaningful impact for the students they serve every day.”
The National Board organization focuses on improving learning outcomes for all students by expanding access to certified teachers and administrators.
In addition to these new certifications, 19 JCPS educators renewed their National Board Certification over the past year. This brings the district’s total number of National Board Certified educators to more than 200. Those renewing include Fran Clark (West Johnston High), Ragan Schmidt (Archer Lodge Middle), Ashley Holloman (Corinth Holders High), Allen Williams (West Johnston High), Sharon Mohiser (Princeton High), Cristy Speight (Dixon Road), Colleen Lunger (Riverwood Middle), Kimberlee Nappier (Corinth Holders High), Anne Nguyen (Wilson’s Mills Elementary), Aimee Joslin (Archer Lodge Middle), Kristy Washington (Benson Middle), Kirsten Lam (McGee’s Crossroads Elementary), Susan Randolph twice listed as Science Teacher at JC Early College Academy, Joseph Smith (South Johnston High), Stacy Cannady (Princeton High), Sylvia Parker (Princeton High), Melissa Hichue (Corinth-Holders Elementary) and Stacee P. Carr with Student Services.
Melissa Pearce, Cleveland High English Teacher and JCPS National Board Liaison stated: “Achieving and maintaining National Board certification is a rigorous, reflective process centered on positively impacting student learning. These teachers put in some incredible work, and we are happy to celebrate their recent achievements.“
North Carolina leads the nation in total number of National Board Certified educators. Within North Carolina, Johnston County Public Schools ranks among the top 15 districts for certifications.
Johnston County Schools serves over 37,000 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade across communities in Johnston County, North Carolina (official website). The district promotes cultural diversity with families representing more than 45 languages (official website) and operates state-of-the-art facilities supported by community resources (official website). It stands as the largest employer in the county while providing services such as transportation and nutrition programs (official website). With its main office located in Smithfield (official website), it emphasizes advanced academics alongside arts and athletics programs.
