Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/477223
AEA Advocate | Spring 2015 17 In 2013-14, more than 4,000 teachers nationwide achieved National Board Certifi cation through a performance-based, peer-review process similar to Board certifi cation in medicine. To date, more than 110,000 teachers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have achieved the profession's gold standard for accomplished teaching, based on standards—created by teachers, for teachers—that defi ne what teachers should know and be able to do to advance student learning. The results come on the heels of a nationwide poll released in September by PDK International and Gallup that showed that more than 80 percent of Americans agree that teachers should achieve Board certifi cation, beyond being licensed to practice. In addition, 70 percent of respondents agreed that "new teachers should spend at least a year practicing under the guidance of a certifi ed teacher before assuming responsibility for their own classrooms." "The public clearly sees the value in Board certifi cation as an assurance that teachers have met the profession's highest standards and have the knowledge and skills necessary to advance student learning," said Ronald Thorpe, president and CEO of the National Board. "Still, we have a long way to go to make Board certifi cation the norm and the expectation in the profession. Today, only a small fraction of America's teachers are Board certifi ed. We owe it to our students and our future to make them a majority—and to build the coherent trajectory that supports every teacher to reach accomplished practice." Board-certifi ed teachers, known as NBCTs, are leading both in and outside of the classroom. A recent survey of NBCTs showed that 54 percent have served or are currently working as team leaders, 36 percent as department chairs, and 15 percent as staff developers or instructional coaches. Forty-three percent of NBCTs have led efforts to implement the Common Core State Standards in their schools, districts and states, while the same percentage have been involved in leading the implementation of teacher evaluation systems through peer review or observation. More than three out of four NBCTs have led professional development efforts in their schools. In higher education, 234 NBCTs are serving as full-time faculty and 2,251 have served or are serving as adjunct faculty. On the state level, 116 are serving on a board of education. Lily Eskelsen García, president of the National Education Association, saluted the new NBCTs: "National Board Certifi cation is one of many pathways for teachers to be recognized as accomplished practitioners in their profession. It's so much more than a certifi cate that hangs on a wall or an acronym after a teacher's name. It's a challenging process that allows good teachers to refl ect on their practices—what works and what they can improve upon. We salute our members who have invested themselves in this rigorous process and are excited about what it means for the students they serve." Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said "The medical profession has, over time, developed a strong professional continuum from initial training through advanced practice and board certifi cation. We have an opportunity today in education to take a page from medicine and to build up the teaching profession, giving teachers the rigorous preparation and support they need, and the respect they deserve. Board certifi cation plays an important role in this process by setting the standard for advanced practice in teaching." 83 teachers earned National Board Certifi cation in Arizona last year, bringing our state's total amount to 1,160 teachers with advanced certifi cation. Washington State gained the most NBCTs with 946 teachers achieving in 2014, with 14 percent PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT More than 4,000 Teachers Achieve National Board Certifi cation Results Follow National Poll Showing Broad Public Demand for Certifi cation Continues on p. 34. Arizona Stats 83 newly certifi ed 33 members To date, 1,160 Arizona teachers have earned National Board Certifi cation. The Arizona K-12 Center provides high-quality professional development and leadership development to educators across the state. Teachers interested in seeking National Board Certifi cation will fi nd an array of resources and statewide support at the center, as well as administrative and technical assistance.