Date: January 24, 2024
Washington, DC – This Team NBCT Week, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is proud to announce that resolutions have been introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate, recognizing the value and impact of Board Certified teachers and establishing this week as National Board Certified Teacher Week.
The resolutions recognize the importance and contributions of National Board Certified Teachers to student learning and achievement and encourage educators, administrators, school districts, and states to promote the growth of new National Board Certified Teachers and provide candidates with the necessary incentives and support. It also recognizes all teachers who newly achieved or maintained their Board Certification when results for the 2022-2023 school year were released last December. The Resolutions are co-sponsored by Representatives Bonamic (D-OR) and Letlow (R-LA) in the House and Senators Britt (R-AL), Hirono (D-HI), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Heinrich (D-NM) in the Senate.
“We are so excited and honored that the U.S. Congress has chosen to honor the work of our organization and of National Board Certified teachers by announcing these important resolutions,” said President and CEO of the National Board, Peggy Brookins, NBCT. “We know first-hand the vital impact that Board Certified teachers have on children’s learning across the country, and we are excited that this resolution will spread the word of that impact to lawmakers in both federal and state governments. A heartfelt thank you to the co-sponsors of the resolutions for the partnership and support!”
“National Board Certification for teachers demonstrates a commitment to high standards, which leads to better outcomes for students. Educators who choose to become National Board Certified Teachers benefit from enhanced professional learning, additional research, and the opportunity to excel in their careers,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, one of the resolutions co-sponsors in the House. “I’m pleased to join my colleague Rep. Letlow to co-lead this recognition of National Board Certified Teachers and the positive difference they make for students, schools, and families.”
“The dedication it takes to be an educator in any capacity is profound, and teachers who voluntarily opt to become nationally Board Certified are truly exemplary,” said Rep. Julia Letlow. “The National Board Certification process is challenging, and teachers who go this route deserve special recognition. They provide a needed boost to low-income students, with 44% of them teaching in Title I schools, and increase quality of learning overall. As a mother, you pray that your children are in the care of good teachers, and I commend those who hold themselves to these high standards.”
“Education is the key to unlocking the American Dream for every child, and our nation’s incredible educators help empower students to reach their full potential and secure a bright future,” said Senator Katie Britt. “I’m proud that Alabama is home to so many excellent educators and National Board Certified Teachers, and I’m honored to introduce this resolution.”
“My home state of New Mexico has one of the most robust certification programs for teachers in the entire country,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “I am proud to introduce this resolution to recognize the major difference that National Board Certified teachers make in preparing our kids for success.”
“This week, we recognize over 130,000 National Board Certified teachers nationwide,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “By opting to complete this rigorous certification process, these caring, competent, and creative educators have shown their commitment to improving their schools and enhancing the learning experience of their students. This resolution celebrates these educators and their dedication to children in Hawaii and across the nation.”
“Educational achievement among Mississippi students has made great strides in recent years, a fact that can be attributed in part to our state’s efforts to encourage more educators to become certified,” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said. “Our bipartisan resolution endorses the National Board Certified Teachers program and seeks its growth into more classrooms.”
Several organizations, including Public Advocacy for Kids, Council for Exceptional Children, American Federation of Teachers, and Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE) have all endorsed the resolutions.
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About the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (www.nbpts.org):
The founding mission of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is to advance the quality of teaching and learning by: maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do; providing a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards, and advocating related education reforms to integrate National Board Certification in American education and to capitalize on the expertise of National Board Certified Teachers. Recognized as the “gold standard” in teacher certification, the National Board believes higher standards for teachers means better learning for students.