Recognizes and honors National Board Certified teachers for their contributions to student learning and leadership in education.
Martin Heinrich
Senator
NM
This resolution recognizes and honors teachers who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification, highlighting their significant contributions to student learning and leadership. It acknowledges the rigorous standards required for certification and the positive impact these teachers have, especially in addressing learning loss. The resolution encourages increased support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification to further enhance educational quality. As of March 2025, there are 141,464 National Board Certified teachers.
Resolution Honors Nationally Certified Teachers, Highlights Their Role in Boosting Student Learning
This resolution shines a spotlight on teachers who've earned or kept up their National Board Certification (NBC) as of March 2025—basically, the gold standard for teaching excellence. It's all about recognizing the value these educators bring to the classroom and encouraging more teachers to pursue this rigorous certification.
Teacher Recognition
The resolution acknowledges that these teachers aren't just good; they're really good. We're talking about educators who've gone through a tough process to prove they're top-notch. The resolution points out that NBC teachers have a real, positive impact on how much students learn. The text states that "National Board Certified teachers improve student learning, achievement, and growth" (Section 2).
Impact on Learning Loss
It also highlights how crucial these teachers are, especially now, as schools are still dealing with the learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Think of it like this: kids need all the help they can get to catch up, and these certified teachers are well-equipped to provide that support.
Encouraging More Certified Teachers
The resolution isn't just a pat on the back; it's a call to action. It encourages everyone—teachers, principals, school districts, and even state governments—to get more teachers NBC certified. It also pushes for better support for those going through the certification process, which can be intense. 29 states offer salary incentives. 13 of those states prioritize the incentives to be placed in high-needs schools. In 2024 alone, 4,355 teachers achieved this certification for the first time, and another 4,884 maintained theirs. As of March 2025, there are 141,464 National Board Certified teachers across the country.
Real-World Implications
Imagine a school where more teachers have this high-level certification. The idea is that the quality of teaching goes up, and students benefit directly. For parents, this means their kids might have access to even better educators. For teachers, it's a chance to be recognized and potentially earn more, especially in those 29 states that offer salary bumps. For example, a teacher in a high-needs school could see a significant salary increase, making it more attractive to stay in a challenging but crucial role.