National Board Certification concentrates education reform in the classroom-where teaching and learning takes place. National Board Certification is a demonstration of a teacher's practice as measured against high and rigorous standards.
Equally important, the National Board Certification process, requiring intense self-reflection and analysis of one's own practice, is a forceful professional development experience. Having measured their practice against the highest standards for the profession, teachers say that their teaching is resultantly more focused, reflective, and confident. Teachers speak eloquently about how the experience produces deeper student learning outcomes in classrooms. They are strengthened in their practice and emerge from the experience with a lasting commitment to professional growth.
Offered on a voluntary basis and valid for 10 years, the advanced system of National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing. Each state, school district and school decides how best to capitalize on the National Board Certification process and the expertise of National Board Certified Teachers as it designs instructional arrangements to promote student learning and support professional practice.
Although the process is rigorous and time consuming, it provides a personal focus on teaching and learning that teachers report is the best professional development of their careers. To learn more about what's involved, visit
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Information about online support programs is available at
WSU National Board Support Program.