Fifteen more TPS teachers receive national certification

“The National Board program is one of our most successful,” said Randy Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction. “Each year Washington scores very well nationally in the number of new Board-certified teachers. Administrators, legislators and parents all understand just how important certification is. It makes better teachers, which in turn helps all of our students.”

Board certification requires teachers to submit a four-part portfolio and a six-exercise content and pedagogy assessment. The 10 entries document a teacher’s success in the classroom as evidenced by his or her students’ learning. The portfolio is then assessed by a national panel of peers.

A joint effort led by Gov. Chris Gregoire, the Washington Education Association, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP), as well as to broad bipartisan support in the state Legislature, has led to a rapid increase in NBCTs.

This year, about 64 percent of teachers attempting Board certification for the first time passed, a rate far above the national average.

“This year's certification rate is a true testament to the teachers in WA who continually strive to serve their students by growing their professional practice,” said Jeanne Harmon, executive director of CSTP. “We at CSTP are proud and honored to support teachers in a statewide network of systematic support as they rise to meet ever-changing demands of education.”

Read the full story on Washington’s NBCTs on the OSPI Web site.