Continuing a strong partnership with the College of Education at UNLV and the Clark County School District, State Farm Insurance will be providing a $15,000 grant for the 2009-2010 fiscal year in support of the Initiative on National Board Certification. This is the fourth year State Farm has collaborated with C&I's Cari Klecka in promoting the Initiative, granting a total of $75, 000 to the project.

The Initiative on National Board Certification is a joint effort between the College of Education and the Clark County School District. The initiative is geared towards helping teachers obtain this certification, and guides them along the process. The grant from State Farm will substantially aid the college in providing the necessary resources to support the Initiative. A unique aspect of the Initiative is that few universities have collaborative efforts with school districts in supporting teachers to obtain National Board Certification.

Obtaining such certifcation is certainly challenging, though it is also entirely rewarding. Teachers who enter the process must submit an extensive portfolio of work including videos and analyses of their teaching and undergo assessments relating to their content and pedagogical knowledge. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction's own Dr. Cari Klecka has been directly involved in the growth and sustainment of the Initiative.