The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced today that 11 school districts have been named National Board Accomplished Districts for their investment of resources to support advancing quality teaching through National Board Certification. These districts join 81 accomplished districts designated earlier this year in their efforts to encourage teachers to be their best and effectively drive student learning.
“Each of these districts have taken extraordinary steps to impact student learning through National Board certification. Their commitment – through financial resources and dedication to creative programming is having an impact on teachers and students and I’m proud to recognize that work,” said Peggy Brookins, a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) and the president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. “When teachers achieve high standards, they impact their students and communities across the country,” added Brookins.
The 11 new accomplished districts will be recognized with an award for each district office and unique celebrations for local NBCTs.
Albuquerque (NM) Public Schools has been a partner in advancing accomplished teaching for many years. Recently, the district established three intensive support schools, where local NBCTs work with staff to help them learn the accomplished teaching body of knowledge required for National Board Certification, and otherwise assist teachers pursuing National Board Certification.
Bend-La Pine (OR) School District invests in supporting teachers in the National Board process, increasing recruitment, and providing cohort support. By providing the highest stipend for NBCTs in Oregon, the district has seen results — leading the state for the most candidates pursuing Board certification.
Clover Park (WA) School District has a unique and extensive support program for teachers pursuing National Board-certification. The district reimburses candidates for attending Washington Education Association’s Jumpstart and Homestretch sessions, offers free National Board cohorts to candidates, and reimburses candidates for one of the component submissions required to be considered for Board-certification. This extensive support has helped nearly 200 teachers become NBCTs, with 19 just this year.
Henrico County (VA) Public Schools has seen tremendous growth in the number of teachers pursuing and achieving National Board certification and led the state in 2019. They have created a program that empowers NBCTs to lead candidates through the National Board process as a cohort, helping teachers be more successful and making the process more meaningful.
Hillsborough County (FL) Public Schools helps to recruit candidates to pursue National Board-certification, support candidates through the process, and grow teacher leadership through partnerships with, Hillsborough NBCT Network, Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, Hillsborough Education Foundation, and Center for Technology and Education (CTechEd).
Lake Havasu (AZ) Unified School District has integrated the Five Core Propositions of National Board Certification into all aspects of professional practice. The district understands the value of accomplished teaching and supports teachers to be their best through a career-long trajectory of professional learning and accomplished teaching.
Oak Park (IL) Elementary School District 97 has seen significant growth in the number of teachers pursuing National Board-certification since it introduced a $10,000 stipend for NBCTs. The district not only has several groups of teachers working together to achieve Board certification, but the superintendent also plans to highlight the district’s work to help teachers through the Board certification process at an upcoming American Association of School Administrators conference.
Oceanside (CA) Unified School District supports accomplished teaching practices by providing funds to pay for local educators to become NBCTs. Through labor-management collaboration, the district and the Oceanside Teachers Association created contract language that provides funding for the Board-certification process and a significant financial incentive for educators that earn Board certification. As a result, the district has more than 70 NBCTs and many more who are currently pursuing Board certification.
Sumter (SC) School District has an extensive program that supports teachers as they pursue National Board-certification. Not only do district funds cover large portions of the cost of Board-certification, but mentoring is also available and support programs led by NBCTs meet nearly every month. In addition, substitute coverage is provided for all NBCT cohort members.
Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga (NY) Board of Cooperative Educational Services has created a new path of support for teachers pursuing National Board-certification. With a goal of 20% of all district teachers achieve certification, the district has created a cooperative service agreement to provide cost-effective and relevant support for teachers in the region.
Tuscaloosa (AL) City Schools has made National Board Certification a priority, dedicating staff time and significant fiscal resources to growing the number of NBCTs. In addition, the district has posted celebratory messages on local billboards to highlight all new NBCTs.
Jeff Eakins, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools explained the impact of Board-certified teachers in his district. “In our profession, one which many judge from their own personal educational perspective, there must be a standard set for accomplished teaching. That standard must be able to stand the test of time and scrutiny from those we serve. Having National Board Certified Teachers in our classrooms, schools, and in leadership sets that standard for others to follow. NBCTs continually seek professional learning to improve their craft and improve student outcomes. The culture and camaraderie that exists when NBCTs network elevates our profession and properly showcases for all fellow teachers, students and parents the standard of excellence that our profession deserves.”
# # #
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.