ARLINGTON, VA. – January 28, 2026
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board) is celebrating Team NBCT Week, honoring the accomplished educators who have earned and maintained National Board Certification, the profession’s most rigorous, performance-based credential, created for teachers, by teachers.
More than 146,000 teachers nationwide have earned National Board Certification. This includes 5,254 educators who achieved certification and 3,477 who successfully maintained their certification in December, reflecting sustained excellence and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
“Each of those numbers represents excellence, perseverance, and educators putting students at the center of their work,” said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, President and CEO of the National Board. “NBCTs strengthen classrooms, schools, and communities every day.”
Educators Leading in Classrooms and Beyond
Teachers who recently certified often describe the process as transformative, sharpening their practice and accelerating student learning. West Virginia educator, Megan Carder, NBCT, said the certification process had an immediate and measurable impact in her classroom.
“Being an NBCT has made me a much stronger educator,” Carder said. “My students made huge growth the year I completed my National Board Certification, especially in the areas I focused on in my portfolio. I nearly tripled the number of students who passed the state test compared with the previous grade. Certifying as an NBCT is my proudest professional accomplishment by far.”
For educators who maintain their certification, the work reflects sustained excellence and continued reflection as student needs evolve. NBCTs also lead far beyond their classrooms, serving as mentors, instructional coaches, and advocates at the local, state, and national levels.
NBCTs are also recognized among the nation’s top educators. Katie Collins, NBCT, Alabama’s State Teacher of the Year, and Michelle Gross, NBCT, Kentucky’s State Teacher of the Year, were both named finalists for National Teacher of the Year, underscoring the leadership and excellence NBCTs bring to the profession.
Leading the Nation
Team NBCT Week also celebrates states, districts, and institutions leading the nation in certification:
- Appalachian State University ranks No. 1 on the National Board’s Top 50 Alma Maters for producing NBCTs.
- Los Angeles Unified School District ranks No. 1 nationally for the number of newly certified NBCTs.
- Maryland ranks No. 1 among states for new NBCTs.
- North Carolina continues to lead the nation as No. 1 in both active NBCTs and NBCTs ever certified.
Join the Celebration
During Team NBCT Week, the National Board is sharing educator stories, releasing updated national and state certification data, and encouraging NBCTs to celebrate and share their journeys.
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About the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Founded in 1987, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the quality of teaching and learning outcomes by establishing professional standards and recognizing accomplished educators through National Board Certification.
For more information, visit nbpts.org.