The would-be optical engineer opted for teaching instead. He found teaching much more satisfying and challenging than working in optical engineering. I was curious how my teaching would compare to the national standards used to evaluate teachers. Crespi says that he could have earned a better living as an optical engineer. Going into teaching has stretched me and made me grow a great deal.
National certification is a long and arduous process.
Crespi was first approached last year by acting Burris principal Ken Miller. The semester-long portfolio project was finished in June 1998. The board has attempted to identify and define the knowledge, skills and accomplishments that add up to excellence in teaching. The board requires written responses in the portfolio. Crespi had to document things like teaching a major idea, student assessment, scientific inquiry and various accomplishments.