Number of teachers in state with prestigious certification has tripled over past five years

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated 293 California teachers who recently received advanced certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

The total of National Board Certified Teachers in California now stands at 3,659, tripling from 1,303 in 2001, putting the state in sixth place in the number of teachers earning this certification, according to NBPTS. Nearly 40 percent of these teachers work in high-priority schools and earn a $20,000 incentive award.

"I congratulate these teachers for working hard to achieve what is the highest credential in the teaching profession," O'Connell said. "They have attained the kinds of attributes and skills needed in today's classrooms to prepare our students for tomorrow. I admire their resolve to undertake this arduous journey to become the best of the best."

California's new National Board Certified Teachers are among nearly 7,800 teachers across the nation to reach this milestone in 2006, a 7 percent increase over 2005, according to NBPTS.

A National Board Certified Teacher means an educator was judged by peers as being accomplished, making sound professional judgments about students, and acting effectively on those judgments. NBPTS certification allows teachers to gauge their skills and knowledge against objective, peer-developed standards of advanced practice. Teachers may voluntarily seek certification that complements, but does not replace, state licensing.

Certification is designed to raise the quality of the teaching profession by establishing advanced standards for experienced educators. Their knowledge and leadership are central to helping students achieve high academic standards, which is a cornerstone of O'Connell's education initiatives. National Board Certified Teachers meet the definition of a "highly qualified teacher" as defined in the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Eligible candidates for National Board certification must have a baccalaureate, at least three years teaching experience, and a valid state teaching license. Where a license is not required, educators must be teaching in schools recognized and approved by the state. NBPTS offers candidates a performance-based assessment that takes about one year to complete and has two components. Candidates must submit a portfolio of their work and also pass an assessment on their content knowledge.

For a complete list of National Board Certified Teachers in California, please visit NBCT Directory [http://www.nbpts.org/resources/nbct_directory] (Outside Source).

For more information on NBPTS activity in California, including a 50 percent candidate fee subsidy, please visit National Certification for Teachers - Teaching.