Kathy Schwalbe, NBCT and Training Consultant

Kathy Schwalbe serves as the NBCT Consultant and Trainer for the Return on Investment initiative, assisting with National Board Certification candidate support through the Teachers Leaders Network virtual platform. Kathy began her career as an English/Language Arts teacher in 1979 after earning her BA in English - Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina. In 1989, Kathy was awarded a fellowship with the Charleston Area Writing Project. In 1993, she applied for National Board Certification as a field test candidate and, in 1995, became one of the first NBCTs in the nation. Kathy was a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year in 1997 and began her work as a candidate support provider. She served as Teacher in Residence for the Center for Educator Recruitment Retention and Advancement for three years and as a Program Director for four years, managing the state NBC Loan Program and the state network of NB Liaisons. She was the founding chair of the Board Certification Network of SC Educators. Kathy also serves as an Associate Trainer for the Center for Cognitive Coaching and as an adjunct faculty member for the College of Charleston. In November 2008, she was elected to serve on her local school board for Berkeley County School District.