Welcome back to Candidate Conversations! In this special and highly anticipated episode, we bring you the culmination of Keke Powell's National Board Certification journey. For those who have followed Keke's progress through our series, this episode is where we see her efforts come to fruition as she prepares for her final Component 1 assessment.

Keke reflects on her growth and increased confidence throughout the process, sharing how receiving scores from previous components helped her strategically approach her Component 3 submission.  She dives into the power of starting early, the crucial role of mentor meetings, and the transformative impact of analyzing her lessons, even with her students.  Her intentional approach to tackling Component 1 last, after gaining experience in written components, offers a unique perspective for future candidates.

Beyond the certification itself, Keke discusses how the National Board process has already impacted her career, shaping her communication about her practice and opening doors to new leadership opportunities, including the Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellowship.  This episode is a must-listen for any educator considering National Board Certification or looking for practical strategies to elevate their teaching and leadership. Keke leaves us with empowering advice on preparation, seeking help, and continuously filling your brain with knowledge.  Join us as we celebrate Keke's incredible journey and look forward to welcoming her as an NBCT!