Based on the Five Core Propositions, National Board Standards define the specific knowledge and expertise that teachers in different subject areas and developmental levels use to frame their practice.

The National Board developed standards for accomplished teaching in 16 different subject areas with students at various developmental levels. These standards were developed and validated by representative committees comprised of master teachers, disciplinary organizations and other education experts.

Created for Teachers by Teachers

National Board Standards are developed by a committee of outstanding educators who are broadly representative of accomplished professionals in their field. While the majority of each committee is made up of classroom teachers, other members may include experts in child development, teacher education and relevant disciplines. The committee provides recommendations to the National Board and advises those involved in developing the corresponding assessment.

Many school systems use the standards as the basis for ongoing teacher and school counselor professional development, and many colleges and universities incorporate them into their undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs.

Based on these standards, the National Board offers 25 certificates that are applicable to most teachers in U.S. public schools.

The Development Process

To create and revise each of the standards for the 25 certificate areas:

1. NBPTS Certification Council appoints a standards committee.
2. The committee develops standards that:

• Reflect the Five Core Propositions;
• Identify specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes that support accomplished practice, while emphasizing the holistic nature of teaching;
• Illustrate how a teacher's professional judgment is reflected in action; and
• Describe how the standards come to life in different settings.

1. Standards undergo repeated drafts until they are approved for public comment review.
2. A draft of the standards is distributed widely to the education community for public comment after which the committee meets again to review and revise the document.
3. The document is then submitted to the NBPTS Board of Directors for adoption and is then published in final form.