$250,000,000 will be appropriated for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program.
Arlington, VA- Effective July 1, the California state government has passed legislation that provides significant support and incentives for teachers in the state seeking National Board Certification, as well as teachers who are already National Board Certified Teachers. The legislation appropriates $250,000,000 from the General Fund to the Education Department for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program.
“This legislation is a significant step forward for education in California. As teachers reflect on their practice and teach to the highest standards in the profession, students are the real beneficiary. This commitment to support all students and communities with a focus on high-priority schools promises to have a powerful impact on students who need the support the most,” said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, the president and CEO at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
This program will award grants of up to $25,000 to any teacher who has attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, as long as the teacher agrees to teach at a high-priority school for at least five years. It will also award grants of $2,500 to any teacher who initiates the process of pursuing National Board certification when teaching at a high-priority school.
High priority schools are defined as a school with 55% or more pupils classified as an English language learner, foster youth, or free and reduced lunch eligible. This program could provide fee support to up to 10,000 teachers in California, and ensure that vulnerable students in high-priority schools are served by teachers who show they teach to the profession’s highest standards.
“This legislation will change the lives for students in California’s public schools. It will also make it more attractive for teachers in California to stay in the profession long-term. Districts are bleeding teachers and I’m confident this will help them retain highly qualified teachers. I’m proud of our state for this positive step forward,” said Lori Celiz, NBCT who serves as one of two California National Board Advocacy Fellows, alongside Bootsie Battle-Holt, NBCT. “I know the impact will be significant in the near-term as we transition from the pandemic to a new era of teaching and learning. In the long-term, I am confident this legislation will lead to the most excellent teachers leading students who have historically faced the most challenges,” added Battle-Holt.