Fifty-seven Colorado teachers achieved National Board Certification in 2008, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, a 6 percent increase over last year.

Colorado ranked 25th nationwide in the number of new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and ranks 27th in the total number of teachers who achieved certification over time (398). Applications for the National Board Certification Program nearly doubled this year alone.

"It is important to us that the U.S. Department of Education is supportive of the National Board Certification program during this period of growth,” said Colorado Commissioner of Education Dwight D. Jones. “We are delighted to see an increase in the number of National Board Certified teachers and applicants here in Colorado."

More than 40 (41.6 percent) of the state’s NBCTs teach in Title I eligible schools. The state’s top five school districts in terms of the cumulative total of NBCTs are: Denver Public Schools (57), Cherry Creek Schools (48), Douglas County Schools (44), Boulder Valley School District (41) and Mesa County Valley School District 51 (35).

In November, CDE announced it would provide a $1,600 stipend to teachers that have earned certification through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. The stipends were created through House Bill 08-1384 during the 2007 legislative session. The 57 teachers awarded National Board Certification in 2008 will qualify for these stipends.

“The evidence is clear that National Board Certified Teachers improve student achievement according to the National Research Council Report released in June 2008,” said Nancy Shakowski, Regional Outreach Director for NBPTS. “Colorado is committed to increasing the number of National Board Certified Teachers through the payment of a state stipend to recognize, reward and retain accomplished teachers in the state.”

CDE will recognize Nationally Board Certified Teachers in Colorado with a special celebration at the Brown Palace Hotel on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. The event will be sponsored the Colorado Education Association. Teachers who have received their certification in the past three years will be recognized. More information will come once plans have been finalized.

Colorado NBCTs joined the ranks of 9,600 accomplished teachers nationwide who achieved certification in 2008, setting a national record for the second straight year. This achievement brings the total number of teachers who achieved National Board Certification to nearly 74,000.

This week’s announcement represents a 12 percent increase over the number of teachers who earned National Board Certification in 2007. Nearly half of all NBCTs teach in high-need schools as defined by NCES.

National Board Certification is a widely respected model of pay-for- performance and is supported by teachers and administrators nationwide. More than two-thirds of the states provide salary incentives and cover the cost for teachers who pursue and achieve this advanced credential. The Colorado Legislature provides a $1,000 scholarship to match the amount of the federal scholarship to those seeking certification.

-The Cherry Creek News-

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