Investing in Excellence: 270 Educators Earn National Board Certification

A total of 270 MCPS educators achieved National Board Certification in December; another 46 successfully maintained their certifications. This brings the total number of National Board Certified educators in MCPS to 1,205, the most in Maryland.

National Board Certification is achieved through an assessment process designed to measure what accomplished educators should know and be able to do. The process requires educators to demonstrate how their activities, both inside and outside the classroom, strengthen student performance and contribute to student achievement.

To become National Board Certified, candidates voluntarily complete a rigorous process that consists of four components: assessment of content knowledge, reflection on student work samples, video and analysis of teaching practice, and documentation of the impact of assessment and collaboration on student learning. These components were designed by teachers, for teachers, to identify the essential knowledge and skills required to advance student learning and achievement.

The MCPS Teacher Performance Standards have their foundation in the rigorous standards established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The fee support program covers the cost of certification and is open to teachers holding a professional license in Maryland with three years of teaching experience. Certificates issued by NBPTS are valid for five years after which a teacher may seek maintenance of certification to renew the National Board Certification for an additional five years.

Interested in learning more about National Board Certification? Visit the MCPS NBC website and make plans to attend an information session on Feb. 26, March 11 or April 20 (PDO course #94135).