Southwest Middle School math teacher Crystal McMachen is one of only five teachers in South Dakota to achieve National Board Certification in 2017.

McMachen says earning board certification is a rigorous process that took her three years to complete. In an interview with Black Hills Fox, McMachen said it was worth the time and energy. “I had to watch lots and lots of hours of me teaching and I learned my quirks and I learned what I do well and I learned what I don’t do well and I watched how I interacted with the kids and it made me reflect and grow and made me be more purposeful in everything I do every minute. I only have 50 minutes with them everyday, so every 50 minutes have to count,” McMachen said.

Congratulations to Ms. McMachen! We are proud of you!