National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
The Problem
- Too few teachers have access to professional development experiences that take a holistic view of students, equipping them with tools and strategies to better understand students’ needs and tailor learning experiences to those needs.
- A RAND survey showed that 80% of teachers want more support to address the social and emotional needs of their students.62
- In addition, teachers of color feel that their identities, experiences and expertise are not adequately represented in standards or curricula.63
CZI Support
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is working to expand its impact, reaching more teachers and enhancing systemic change. One priority includes developing and revising standards that align with the science of learning and human development, and help teachers implement equitable classroom practices that improve student outcomes.
A second priority includes growing educator awareness and school, district and state investment in board certification, focusing on equity. Expanding the number and broadening the diversity of teachers who go through the National Board Certification process is critical for educator development and retention. Research shows that National Board Certified teachers are more effective than those who are not board-certified and that they remain in the profession longer.64
The Impact
More teachers than ever before are striving to become National Board Certified teachers. In 2023 there were 8,600 new participants, up from 6,400 the previous year. The participants are also a diverse group of teachers: approximately 30% of new participants are educators of color.65
The National Board is also revising its certification standards to include CZI-supported research from the Learning Policy Institute on implications for teaching practice from the science of learning and human development, and to reflect advances in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Full revision and implementation of the new standards will include science-aligned certification changes, resources and examples to help teachers implement teaching practices that improve student outcomes.
Founded:
1987
Website:
Mission:
The National Board advances the quality of teaching and learning by maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do; providing a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards; and advocating related education reforms to integrate National Board Certification in American education and to capitalize on the expertise of National Board Certified Teachers.
“By the very nature of our mission, the National Board values educators’ dedication and commitment. Teachers are often our children’s first responders, and the country is witnessing how vital that role is — not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and as pillars of connection, community, and stability.”
