From Reluctant Teacher to Passionate Advocate: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Written By: Pinky Grace Francisco – Big Island, Hawaii Fourteen years… each year is a tapestry of nostalgic memories…a kaleidoscope of mixed emotions—bittersweet experiences, silent screams, flashes of cold fire, moments of shattered peace…a journey of joy and sorrow, failure and triumph, stepping forward and stepping back, procrastination and growth, and endless discovery of myself…
The Lasting Impact of National Board Certification on Educational Leadership
Written By: Jennifer Brown, NBCT – Corpus Christi, Texas As I talk to teachers in my district and around the area about the NBCT program, they tell me they won’t stay in the classroom but plan to move into administration. I tell them, “That’s perfect! That is another great reason to become an NBCT. Let…
The National Board Remains Committed to Advancing Our Mission and Vision
ARLINGTON, VA. – February 7, 2025 The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board), established in 1987, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to advance accomplished teaching for all students. The National Board partners with many organizations in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors to help us advance our mission. We are a…
Neurodivergent Did Not End my Teaching Career
By: Ginny Warner, NBCT – North Carolina The path to understanding my own neurodivergence was a winding one, a journey marked by subtle inconsistencies and delayed realizations. As a child, the world felt slightly out of sync. Occupational therapy became a familiar companion, aiding me in navigating the challenges of fine motor skills, particularly the…
Bridging Dreams and Reality: Advocating for Undocumented High School Graduates
By: Maria Derner, NBCT – Belton, Missouri In this great nation of boundless opportunities, I have had the privilege of instructing a group of young dreamers for several years. These resilient, gifted, and compassionate students have profoundly enriched my experience as an educator. Yet, despite their dedication and excellence, they face a devastating dilemma: the…
A Tribute to Dr. Lee Shulman: A Visionary Leader and Passionate Advocate for Education
ARLINGTON, VA. – January 8, 2025 Today, we honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Lee Shulman—a visionary leader, a passionate advocate for education, and a dear friend whose impact on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board) and the lives of countless educators cannot be overstated. It’s difficult to capture the breadth…
Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Results Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How will my MOC submission be evaluated? A:Evaluation will involve one or more NBCTs independently and holistically assessing the NBCT’s MOC submission. Based on the evidence submitted, an assessor(s) will then decide whether to maintain or not to maintain certification. Only the decision of whether the NBCT successfully demonstrated they are maintaining their certification is…
Endings Help to Create Beautiful Beginnings
By: Zakiyyah Omar, NBCT – North Carolina "Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful." This quote by Beau Taplin resonates deeply with me as a National Board Certified school counselor. It is a constant reminder to approach the end of every counseling relationship, group session, and social-emotional lesson with intentionality and grace. As school…
