Parents & Community

Ensure Top-Notch Teaching for Your Child

You consult a variety of professionals in your daily life, and you want to know that they are accomplished in their field. Is your doctor a board-certified physician?  Probably so. Your car mechanic is likely to be a certified professional.  Shouldn't your child’s teacher be certified too?  National Board Certification is the teaching profession’s highest standard of excellence. Those who achieve it demonstrate that they are truly accomplished teachers. Learn how certification can benefit your child and how you can support teachers as they become National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs).

Why Support National Board Certification?

NBCTs Improve Student Learning
Students of NBCTs do measurably better on standardized tests, they acquire a deeper understanding of content, and are better equipped to thrive in the global marketplace.

NBCTs Know Their Subject Matter 
NBCTs have demonstrated proficiency in their subject matter.  They know what to teach and how to teach it. 

NBCTs Know Their Students 
NBCTs actively familiarize themselves with their students and adapt their teaching methods to meet individual learning styles and interests.  They set high expectations and get results.

NBCTs Know how to Assess Student Learning 
They don’t rely solely on standardized tests but use a variety of methods to assess student growth, strengths and weaknesses. 

NBCTs Communicate Effectively With Parents 
NBCTs are proactive and can communicate student progress and needs in ways that are helpful to parents.

NBCTs Practice Equity and Fairness 
NBCTs value diversity and hold high expectations that all their students can succeed, and that they will treat one another fairly and with dignity.

NBCTs Help Improve Schools 
Having a core of NBCTs in a school building raises the bar for teaching and learning and helps create a climate of professionalism and excellence.

You Can Help!

Promote excellence in your school system and support outstanding teachers in a variety of ways:

Visibly Support National Board Certification
Share information about National Board Certification. Let people know this is important to you.

Encourage Your Child's Teacher
Ask teachers if they are National Board Certified. Let them know that this is important to you and that you believe that they can do it. 

Share Information with Your Peers
Add National Board Certification to your PTA's agenda.  Parents and community organizations can be powerful advocates.

Demand Excellence
Ask for an annual report on the number of NBCTs in your school and the total in your school district.

Champion Incentives
Work with your school board and teacher organizations to create financial and other incentives for teachers to become NBCTs.

Invest in Improving Schools
Sponsor a teacher or an initiative that promotes National Board Certification. Learn about Funding Opportunities.

Encourage a Teacher

Invite a teacher to pursue National Board Certification. Send an electronic invitation by completing the online nomination form.