Re-1 Superintendent Alex Carter said research on the impact of National Board Certified teachers was impressive, adding that students learn more from nationally certified teachers.
“I would love to see more of our teachers pursue this distinction,” said Carter.
Of the 179 school districts across the state, about 40 offer incentives for teachers to obtain national certification, according to the Colorado Department of Education. Enticements include one-time and annual stipends ranging from $500 to $5,000; salary increases; allowances, grants and reimbursements to pay for certification; mentors and paid time off for coursework.
Carter said the Re-1 district didn’t provide teachers with any incentive for the professional development, citing a lack of available funding.
“Should the district begin to see increases in funding as a result of increased state allocations in the future, or as a result of a local mill levy override, the district could consider creating a local incentive program to encourage and support our teachers as they pursue National Board Certification,” said Carter.
Carter added instituting a signing bonus, for example, could help the district better recruit teachers who were nationally certified.
Research shows that students taught by board-certified teachers consistently achieve higher gains in student achievement compared with peers who were taught by non-certified teachers, making learning gains equivalent to an extra one to two months in school.
To obtain the distinction, comparable to earning a master’s degree, teachers must successfully complete hundreds of hours of study. Last year, 75 new Colorado educators achieved National Board Certification, ranking the state 16th nationally in the total number of new educators certified.
“The National Board Certification process is a powerful, rewarding and informative method to greatly expand and refine a teacher’s content knowledge and classroom teaching practices,” said state education official Colleen O’Neil. “I applaud the tenacity of our many teachers who pursue the challenging and robust certification process and succeed in obtaining this distinction.”
In a press release, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said that the nation’s stakes were high as expectations for students and teachers continue to rise with the demands of the global economy.
“As our nation’s most accomplished educators, National Board Certified Teachers are well positioned to move our students, workforce and country forward,” said Duncan.
Districts in Colorado the most National Board Certified Teachers are Boulder Valley School District (152), Denver Public Schools (128), Cherry Creek School District (114), Douglas County School District (56) and Colorado Springs School District 11 (53).