Three local educators are among a wave of 48 newly-christened National Board Certified Teachers from the Prince George's County School system.

M. Michelle Rowland from University Park Elementary School and Myunghee Chung and Linda Henderson from Riverdale Elementary School earned the credential, the highest one offered by the National Board for Professional Teacher Standards.

The certification is "designed to recognize effective and accomplished teachers who meet high standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do," according to the NBPTS.

Teachers undergo a voluntary assessment process in order to earn the distinction, which takes one to three years to complete.

Some 304 PGCPS teachers are now board certified. Nationwide, about 3 percent of teachers — 97,920 in all — are likewise accredited.

"Achieving National Board Certification requires substantial time, dedication and skill, but the reward comes in the classroom," PGCPS Superintendent William Hite said in a statement. "By helping teachers to hone their craft, the program aids in our efforts to ensure highly effective instruction in all classrooms."