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 the revision process. The What Book Committee carefully responded to a bias review and public comment feedback, integrating insights from a range of classroom practitioners and education professionals to articulate professional consensus. The revised document is currently being reviewed by the National Board’s governing bodies. The publication of the 3rd edition is tentatively scheduled for 2026.
What This Means for Candidates
While preparing for the assessment, candidates for certification and maintenance of certification should continue using the current, 2nd edition of the What Book and the latest version of their certificate-area standards posted on this website.