When music teacher Alice Badgley is faced with a decision, she always picks the more challenging path.

So when the opportunity to join the National Board Certification program came along last year, it was an easy choice; there isn’t a harder program.

The Grand Ridge Elementary teacher was among 31 in the Issaquah School District who earned their certification this year, a point administrators tout.

While the completion of the program comes with a proverbially gold star, and a small pay boost, for Badgley it’s about being a better teacher.

“The year after, you can see the difference,” she said. “It made me a much more deliberate teacher.”

The teachers spend about 400 additional hours through the school year preparing a portfolio and studying for a written assessment.

For Badgley, this meant a complete review of music history and world music. She also crafted new lesson plans for her portfolio and sent in videotapes of her classes.

“It made me look at my teaching as a whole,” she said. “It’s all very high-level stuff.”

In class, the low-key Badgley doesn’t fit the music teacher stereotype of a flamboyant extrovert with one hand on the tambourine and the other on a piano.

“She’s quiet, and she’s methodical,” said Don Clausen, a music teacher counterpart at Sunny Hills Elementary. “I see her as being an academic person.”

A cellist, Badgley has her bachelor’s in performance from the University of Colorado and a masters in teaching at Regis University in Denver.

On a bad day she rarely has to repeat her instructions. Students line choir risers while she reviews concepts of melody on a xylophone.

Kids close their eyes and try to pick out high and low notes, then wave their hands for a chance to choose a key.

“Music is one of those few activities that engage both side of the brain,” Badgley said. “I’m helping them access their higher level of thinking.”

It’s also about creativity, said Clausen, who has been a music teacher for 28 years.

“We’re teaching to a certain part of everybody’s soul, and that’s so important,” he said.

The boards also challenge teachers to think about how to help specific types of students, a topic that couldn’t be more difficult for music teachers who teach about 20 classes. Badgley has 500 students.

She’s grateful for parent and district support.

“They definitely value their music program,” she said. “I feel very fortunate about being in Issaquah.”

Alice Badgley’s focus in college was concert performance with the Cello, but as a music teacher she plays several instruments to teach. She was one of 31 teachers in the Issaquah School District to receive National Board Certification.

Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter

Hala Tillman laughs after finishing a tune on the xylophone in her music class at Grand Ridge elementary school. Her teacher, Alice Badgley, was one of 31 teachers in the Issaquah School District to receive National Board Certification. To the right are students Giselle Guevara and Sophia Jones.

Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter

Leah Sweeney plays the xylophone along with her music class at Grand Ridge elementary school. Her teacher, Alice Badgley, was one of 31 teachers in the Issaquah School District to receive National Board Certification.

Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter