PORT ORCHARD — Three South Kitsap educators recently received some exciting news — they’ve achieved National Board Certification.

Christine Fleagle of Hidden Creek Elementary, Tracy Krog of Mullenix Ridge Elementary and Breanne Coats from John Sedgwick Middle School earned the certification, which is the highest credential in the teaching profession, according to Amy Miller, the district’s spokeswoman.

The process is voluntary and achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment, which takes between one and three years to complete.

Eight other South Kitsap educators successfully renewed their National Board Certification: Robin Ragsdale, Brandon DeBritz, Maura Crisp, Sally Makfinsky, Candace Barich, Vanessa Hair, Gretchen Stoddard and Susie Nass. Currently, there are 59 teachers with this honor in South Kitsap School District.