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. This investment builds on the state’s landmark $250 million allocation in the 2021–22 budget.
“This additional funding reinforces California’s commitment to accomplished teaching and student learning. Since the program’s inception in 2021, more than 800 California teachers in high-priority schools have earned National Board Certification,” said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. “With the funding secured in this budget, thousands more students will gain access to an accomplished teacher who has met the highest professional standards.”
Expanded Grants and Extended Timeline Strengthen Long-Term Impact
The renewed investment ensures that California can continue offering meaningful incentives designed to attract and retain highly effective educators in communities where they are needed most:
- Grants of up to $25,000 for National Board Certified Teachers who commit to teaching for at least five years in high-priority schools
- Grants of $2,500 for teachers who begin the National Board certification process while serving in a high-priority school
- Grants of $495 for National Board Certified Teachers who begin Maintenance of Certification when teaching at a high-priority school
The state also extended the timeline for distributing these grant dollars—an important signal that the program remains a central strategy in addressing California’s persistent teacher shortage and advancing educational equity.
Educators See Transformative Impact Across California Classrooms
Local leaders who support National Board candidates in California’s largest and most diverse regions applauded the renewed investment.
“Through my many years supporting Los Angeles teachers pursuing National Board Certification, I have witnessed again and again the career-changing growth that educators experience throughout their certification journey,” said Michael de la Torre, NBCT, program coordinator for The Support Network—a collaboration between LAUSD and UTLA—and member of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
In the Inland Empire, where teacher shortages remain acute, the news is also welcomed.
“When teachers earn National Board Certification, it doesn’t just impact them and their students; it transforms entire school communities,” said Dr. Morgan Pellettera, NBCT, who recruits and supports candidates in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. “This additional funding will have a tremendous impact in schools across the state, especially those in low-income communities that most need to grow and retain excellent teachers.”
The 2025–26 NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Application opens November 3, 2025, and closes on January 9, 2026, at 4:00 pm. Teachers can find full details and apply at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/pl/npbtscandidatesubsidy.asp
###
About the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is the nation’s highest credential in teaching. National Board Certification was created by teachers, for teachers, and is backed by decades of research showing that National Board Certified Teachers have a greater impact on student learning and school improvement. Learn more at nbpts.org.