News & Media
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Elects Two New Members to Board
December 11, 2025
ARLINGTON, VA. – December 11, 2025 The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board) today announced the election of two distinguished educators to its Board of Directors. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome our newly elected Board members. They bring a wide range of experience and insight, and I’m confident they will help us advance our mission,” said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, President and CEO of the National Board. The two newly elected members of the National Board’s Board of Directors are: Kristen Lum Brummel, NBCT, Educational Specialist, Hawaiʻi Teacher Induction Center Caleb Cheung, Chief Learning Officer, Quest Science…
Read MoreLaunch of Literacy–Reading Language Arts Standards Revision Begins Spring 2026
December 9, 2025
ARLINGTON, VA. – December 9, 2025 We’re excited to announce that the development of revised Literacy–Reading Language Arts (LRLA) Standards will officially begin in Spring 2026. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to advancing research-based literacy instruction that supports all students. Collaborative engagement will be at the heart of this process. There will be meaningful opportunities to share insights, engage in public comment, and contribute to shaping the future of literacy instruction. The first opportunity is to share your insight via a SHORT survey regarding what a revision might focus on. This survey should be completed by LRLA NBCTs or…
Read MoreCalifornia Expands Investment in National Board Certified Teachers with Major Funding Boost in 2025–26 State Budget
November 18, 2025
SACRAMENTO, CA. – November 18, 2025 In a strong show of support for California’s educators, Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration has expanded and extended the state’s investment in National Board Certification, one of the most respected professional credentials in the teaching profession. The 2025–26 California state budget includes an additional $30 million for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program—further strengthening a statewide effort to grow, develop, and retain accomplished teachers. At least $3 million of the new funding will directly cover certification fees for first-time National Board candidates, helping more California teachers pursue this rigorous, research-backed credential.…
Read MoreHuntsville, AL on Track for Nation’s Highest Concentration of NBCTs
November 4, 2025
Business and education leaders mark $1 million milestone to expand teacher excellence across North Alabama. HUNTSVILLE, AL. – November 4, 2025 The Huntsville Committee of 100 (C100), in partnership with The Schools Foundation (TSF) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board), announced today that Huntsville/Madison County has raised $1 million to support 500 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) across Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County Schools, placing the community on track to have the highest concentration of NBCTs in the nation of comparable MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas). The milestone represents a five-year, business-led…
Read MoreNational Board Standards Update: What’s up with the What Book?
March 4, 2025
ARLINGTON, VA. – March 4, 2025 The National Board is currently revising its standards, starting with What Teachers Should Know and Be Able to Do (also known as the What Book). The What Book Committee–a group of ten National Board Certified Teachers with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise–has completed its revision. The updated explication of the Five Core Propositions speaks to educators across certificate areas and learning communities, describing accomplished knowledge, skills, and abilities in a non-prescriptive manner to advance the professional practice of preK-12 educators addressing unique needs and requirements throughout the country. By Teachers, For Teachers Stakeholder input played a critical part in…
Read MoreThe National Board Remains Committed to Advancing Our Mission and Vision
February 7, 2025
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 professional certification organization, not a federal agency or a part of the United States Department of Education. The National Board acknowledges the rapidly changing political environment. We remain deeply committed to thoughtfully and strategically advancing the National Board’s mission and vision. We want to reaffirm…
Read MoreNational Board Celebrates Team NBCT Week and Announces Thousands of Educators Achieve National Board Certification
February 3, 2025
ARLINGTON, VA. – January 27, 2025 The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced today that 4,355 educators became National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), and 4,884 educators maintained their certification in the 2023-2024 school year. These accomplishments bring the total number of NBCTs to more than 141,000. National Board Certified Teachers uphold the profession’s highest standards, profoundly improving learning outcomes for students and making a lasting impact on schools and communities. By pursuing Board certification, these educators have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their student’s success. This week, January 27-31, the National Board is celebrating #TeamNBCT Week, a week-long campaign…
Read MoreA Tribute to Dr. Lee Shulman: A Visionary Leader and Passionate Advocate for Education
January 8, 2025
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 of Lee’s contributions to education and his profound influence on my journey. Lee embodied the belief that teaching is a noble profession, one that deserves recognition and respect. He dedicated his life to elevating the voices of educators, and by establishing the National Board, he…
Read MoreNational Board for Professional Teaching Standards Announces New Addition to Board of Directors
December 5, 2024
ARLINGTON, VA. – December 05, 2024 – The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) announced today the election of Princess Moss, Vice President of the National Education Association, to its Board of Directors. "I am thrilled to welcome Princess Moss as the newest member of our Board of Directors. Our Board represents a diverse array of expertise and perspectives, and I am confident that Princess will play a vital role in advancing our mission," said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, President and CEO of the National Board. Princess Moss was elected during the National Board’s November meeting. A respected elementary music…
Read MoreNational Board Standards Update: Refreshed Standards for Literacy Instruction
August 27, 2024
ARLINGTON, VA. – August 27, 2024 The National Board has refreshed standards documents for certificate areas that discuss literacy instruction. Newly posted documents include the following: Updated Early Childhood Generalist Standards and a separate addendum highlighting changes between the 3rd and 4th editions Updated Literacy: Reading-Language Arts Standards and a separate addendum highlighting changes between the 2nd and 3rd editions Updated Middle Childhood Generalist Standards and a separate addendum highlighting changes between the 3rd and 4th editions Changes to the standards remove descriptions of teaching practices and terminology no longer in general professional use or supported by pedagogical research, as determined by National Board Certified Teachers. No new standards of practice…
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