May 23, 2018 -- Five educators in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District earned their initial or renewal Ohio Department of Education Master Teacher designation in 2018.

Roxboro Middle social studies teacher Danielle Copeland and Heights High English teacher Courtney White earned their initial Master Teacher designation.

Gifted intervention specialist Kathryn Craig and Roxboro Middle math teachers Tiffany Jordan-Shaw and Christine Smrdel earned their renewal Master Teacher designation.

According to the Ohio Department of Education, a Master Teacher demonstrates excellence inside and outside of the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning. A Master Teacher strives for distinguished teaching and continued professional growth as specified by the Standards for Ohio Teachers.

Master Teacher candidates, who have worked at least seven years under a teaching contract, apply to earn this designation through a portfolio they develop throughout the school year. 

There are five focus areas in the portfolio that need to be supported by evidence: Consistent Leadership; Focused Collaboration; Distinguished Teaching – Focus on Students and Environment; Distinguished Teaching - Focus on Content, Instruction, and Assessment; and Continued Professional Growth.