InClass

You reached the highest pinnacle of the teaching profession by achieving National Board Certification. So, now what?

National Board Certified Teachers don’t have to hang up their hats once they’ve achieved what’s often regarded as the highest honor in the profession. Instead, individuals have the opportunity to link up with the other 1,195 other Board-certified teachers in our state by joining the Arizona NBCT Network.

In July, approximately 50 Arizona NBCT Network members gathered at the Arizona K12 Center to discuss next steps and ways to strengthen the profession through teacher leadership and advocacy. More than ever, Board-certified teachers claim there’s a need to change the landscape of education in the state.

National Board Certified Teacher Hannah Jones is the Assistant Technology Specialist in the Kyrene School District. She says National Board Certification and the Arizona NBCT Network keep the teaching profession moving forward.

“Often, in our country, teaching isn’t seen as a top profession, when in fact it is. Everybody started in the educational system, including doctors, lawyers, and athletes. They were all taught by teachers,” Jones explains. “As Board-certified teachers, we can be that voice for our fellow educators. This is our teacher army.”

Let’s be clear. These individuals gave up one of the last Fridays of summer vacation to brainstorm and plan for the betterment of Arizona teachers as a whole.

“I wouldn’t have missed this because it’s one of the few chances that National Board Certified Teachers from all over the state get together and solely focus on advancing this work throughout Arizona,” Jones adds.

Danielle Brown is a Board-certified educator from Fort Huachuca. The three-hour drive did not keep the kindergarten teacher from attending the Arizona NBCT Network Convening.

“It’s important to connect with other NBCTs, especially because I teach in such a rural area. Board certification helped me own my practice,” she says, explaining that she now has a deeper understanding of the profession.

“It’s more than just doing what someone told me to do. Instead, I understand why I should do things and how it will impact my students,” Brown says.

The University of Arizona alumna admits being a part of the Arizona NBCT Network doesn’t take much extra time. More importantly, she thinks all Board-certified teachers need to stay connected to the process that refined their craft.

“You shouldn’t stop once you’ve achieved certification because there’s so much more out there that needs your touch. There are so many more students and people that you can impact after you’ve become a National Board Certified Teacher,” Brown suggests.

If you’re a National Board Certified Teacher and are yet to get plugged into to the network, there’s no better time. Join the Facebook group now to ensure you don’t miss opportunities to interact with your “teacher army.”