Maryland Continues to Build Ranks of Nationally Board Certified Teachers

[Howard Hartman]

Maryland Continues to Build Ranks of
Nationally Board Certified Teachers

State Ranks Among Nbpts Leaders

BALTIMORE (December 15, 2010) – Maryland today welcomed a record-tying 302 new Nationally Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), maintaining the state’s position as one of the nation’s leaders in the rigorous certification program.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has now certified 1,976 Maryland teachers with the profession’s top recognition. This year’s total was 7th among states, and Maryland’s overall total ranks 14th in the nation. Last year, Maryland also added 302 teachers gaining national certification.

“National Board Certificated Teachers have reached the pinnacle of their profession,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “These teachers have gone through a rigorous program, proving their commitment to their students, their classrooms, and their schools.”

NBCT, 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.

In addition to the 302 new board certified teachers, Maryland this year had 38 NBCTs Teachers successfully renewing their certification.

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

Go to this site