BALTIMORE (Dec. 22, 2008) - Maryland this month welcomed 302 new Nationally Board Certified Teachers, a new state record number.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has now certified 1,366 Maryland teachers with the profession's top recognition. This year's total was 9th among states, and Maryland's overall total ranks 15th in the nation. Maryland had 227 teachers gain national certification last year, and 161 teachers in 2006.
"National Board Certificated Teachers represent the best that our schools have to offer," said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. "These teachers have gone through a rigorous program, proving their commitment to their students, their schools, and their profession."
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. The state has coordinated a Candidate Support Network since 1997 and has established regional sites across the state to assist candidates as they progress through the assessment process. In addition to incentives offered by local school systems, Maryland matches up to $2000 per year during the validity of the NBC certificate.
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.
Source: Md. State Dept. of Education