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Windy M. Korell-Broadwater, a longtime resident of Caroline County and a proud 1994 graduate of North Caroline High School, has achieved a historic milestone in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. With more than 22 years of dedicated service, she has become the first music teacher in county history to earn National Board Certification—one of the most prestigious credentials in the teaching profession.
Mrs. Korell-Broadwater holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Delaware and a Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. She is also certified in English Language Learning (ELL) and holds an Administration I certificate. Her academic background and professional credentials reflect a deep commitment to instructional excellence, leadership, and lifelong learning.
National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes far beyond state licensure. Developed “by teachers, for teachers,” the process is peer-reviewed, standards-based, and performance-driven. Candidates must demonstrate accomplished teaching through rigorous assessments that include classroom videos, analysis of student work, reflective written commentary, and a comprehensive computer-based examination. Grounded in the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ Five Core Propositions, certification recognizes educators who demonstrate a strong commitment to students, deep content knowledge, effective classroom management, reflective practice, and continuous professional growth.
Mrs. Korell-Broadwater’s teaching career in Queen Anne’s County spans Bayside Elementary School, Kennard Elementary School, and Sudlersville Elementary School, where she currently teaches general music to Pre-K through fourth grade, choir, and fourth-grade band. She also made history by founding the first and only fourth-grade band program in Queen Anne’s County, located at Sudlersville Elementary School—a program that continues to thrive and inspire young musicians.
Her passion for music began early in life, rooted in a rich musical heritage. Inspired by her father, a vocalist and guitar player, Windy grew up singing during Sunday morning family sing-alongs. Her parents, Adam and Robin Korell, consistently encouraged her talents, supporting vocal lessons, talent shows, and ultimately her pursuit of a music degree at the University of Delaware. That lifelong love of music continues to shape her teaching philosophy and classroom practice today.
Throughout her journey, Windy has been supported wholeheartedly by her family. Her husband, Chip Broadwater, a recently retired forest ranger with the Department of Natural Resources, and her daughter, Kasey Broadwater, a member of the Penn Foster graduating class of 2026, have been her constant source of encouragement. As Windy dedicated countless hours to the rigorous and time-intensive National Board Certification process, her family truly “held down the fort,” providing unwavering support, patience, and motivation every step of the way. Their belief in her passion and perseverance played an essential role in the successful completion of this significant professional achievement.
Over the years, Mrs. Korell-Broadwater’s students have performed in a wide variety of venues, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., performances for the Delmarva Shorebirds and the Baltimore Orioles, school and community concerts, talent shows, and traveling choir events. Many of her former students have gone on to perform professionally or remain active in music within their local communities—an enduring testament to her influence as an educator.
Most recently, Windy pursued an opportunity through the prestigious Hertrich Cash for Class program, a highly regarded grant initiative created to place meaningful funding directly into the hands of educators. This program supports innovative classroom projects and purposeful initiatives that enrich student learning and growth. As a result of her dedication and vision, Mrs. Korell-Broadwater was awarded an impressive $1,000 to purchase new band instruments, greatly enhancing musical opportunities for the students of Sudlersville Elementary School and ensuring their continued artistic growth and success.
Earning National Board Certification is not only a personal achievement for Windy M. Korell-Broadwater, but also a landmark accomplishment for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering belief in the power of music continue to enrich the lives of students and strengthen the arts throughout the county. Mrs. Broadwater states, “From the very moment of birth, human beings are inherently musical. The steady cadence of the heart mirrors a rhythmic pulse, the natural movements of the body echo the flowing patterns of a song, and when words fall short, music emerges as a powerful and eloquent voice of expression. My enduring hope is that all of my students will cultivate a deep appreciation for learning music and discover lasting joy, comfort, and confidence through performing, creating, and expressing themselves musically”.
