Information for Parents

As a parent, you want the best for your children. When it comes their education, why would you want any less than a National Board Certified Teacher at the front of their classrooms?

Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Board Certification is the highest credential in the teaching profession.  Certification is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment that takes between one and three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers and school counselors should know and be able to do.

Research is consistently positive about the impact of National Board Certification on improvements to teacher practice, professional developments and areas of school improvement that are critical to raising student achievement.  Many studies have examined National Board Certification, and the vast majority found that National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) make a significantly measurable impact on teacher performance, student learning, engagement and achievement.  For example, a U.S. Department of Education-funded study found that students of NBCTs score 7 to 15 percentage points higher on year-end tests than students of non-NBCTs.

Why would you want your child to have a National Board Certified Teacher?

NBCTs Improve Student Learning
Students of NBCTs do measurably better on standardized tests, they acquire a deeper understanding of content, and are better equipped to thrive in the global marketplace.

NBCTs Know Their Subject Matter 
NBCTs have demonstrated proficiency in their subject matter.  They know what to teach and how to teach it. 

NBCTs Know Their Students 
NBCTs actively familiarize themselves with their students and adapt their teaching methods to meet individual learning styles and interests.  They set high expectations and get results.

NBCTs Know how to Assess Student Learning 
They don’t rely solely on standardized tests but use a variety of methods to assess student growth, strengths and weaknesses. 

NBCTs Communicate Effectively With Parents 
NBCTs are proactive and can communicate student progress and needs in ways that are helpful to parents.

NBCTs Practice Equity and Fairness 
NBCTs value diversity and hold high expectations that all their students can succeed, and that they will treat one another fairly and with dignity.

NBCTs Help Improve Schools 
Having a core of NBCTs in a school building raises the bar for teaching and learning and helps create a climate of professionalism and excellence.

Learn more about what the National Board process means to teachers and their students with this four-page brochure, A Distinction That Matters .

You can also see a first-hand account how a National Board Certified Teacher made a difference in a child's life through this nine minute video, Success Story: The Impact of National Board Certification.

Call your children's schools today to find out if their teachers are National Board Certified. Ask your school board and administrators to support teachers pursuing National Board Certification.