Why This May Be the Year to Pursue National Board Certification

If you’ve been considering National Board Certification, there’s extra incentive to pursue this distinction now. For the second year, Arizona teachers pursuing National Board Certification can receive funding covering the cost of components and some candidate support.

An initiative from Governor Doug Ducey and the state legislature, the Arizona Teachers Academy includes strategies and funding to strengthen the teaching profession throughout the state. Along with support for new teachers and teacher mentors, the program funds the National Board Certification process for 200 Arizona teachers each year. Arizona Teachers Academy will cover the cost of all four National Board Certification components and provide up to $225 for eligible Arizona K12 Center candidate support events. Teachers can begin exploring the process during the online National Board Pre-Candidacy Class beginning September 12.

It’s not just a prestigious title. National Board Certified Teachers have a demonstrated impact on student learning. Multiple studies show that students in the classrooms of NBCTs learn more than students taught by other teachers.

Arizona K12 Center Executive Director Dr. Kathy Wiebke, NBCT, often shares how the certification process transformed her teaching.

“After three years of teaching, you then have the opportunity to seek an advanced credential that demonstrates accomplished teaching. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is truly empowering,” she wrote in a Centered blog post about National Board Certification in Arizona. “...Who are the beneficiaries? Our students and – dare I say – the entire state. Every investment we make in our teachers and students is an investment we make in our communities and state as a whole.”

We always recommend people talk with NBCTs in their school or district they know and trust about their experience with National Board Certification. Countless Arizona teachers, both NBCTs and candidates, have shared about the influence of the process on their work. Kareem Neal, 2019 Teacher of the Year, wrote about his journey in a blog post here, and searching #amAZingNBCT on Twitter will connect you with tidbits of inspiring stories.