Maryland has gained 151 new Nationally Board Certified Teachers. 

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) announced yesterday that it has now certified 2,575 Maryland teachers with the profession’s top recognition.  This year’s total was 9th among states, and Maryland’s overall total ranks 13th in the nation. 

“National Board Certificated Teachers are educators that have reached the very peak of our profession,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery.  “Successful completion of this rigorous program spotlights educator commitment to improved learning for every student.  These teachers deserve our appreciation and admiration.”

National Board Certification, a voluntary program established by NBPTS, is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes more than a year to complete.  It is designed to measure what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.  The process requires teachers to demonstrate how their activities, both inside and outside the classroom, strengthen student performance and contribute to student achievement.

Maryland has long been supportive of NBPTS and its goals, working with the National Board since 1997. 

The certification process is open to anyone with a baccalaureate degree and three years of classroom experience.  The certificate is valid for 10 years, after which a teacher may seek renewal.  For more information on the program, see http://www.nbpts.org.