We have sponsored, and will continue to press for, legislation creating a state independent professional standards board, to complement the mission of the National Board. But our first step was to help more Illinois teachers participate in the national certification process. We salute the Illinois Business Roundtable for making an investment in teacher excellence, said Geppert. Teachers want to pursue National Board certification, but the cost is prohibitive for many, said Geppert. This scholarship fund will enable many exemplary teachers, who would not be able to participate for financial reasons, an opportunity to show their skills as educators and receive the recognition they deserve.
Several states offer stipends for successful completion of the certification process.
In 1985, late American Federation of Teachers President Albert Shanker called for a voluntary national certification system to recognize outstanding teachers. With this joint scholarship program today and in the future, we can boost dozens to hundreds, if not thousands, said Geppert. Copyright Illinois Federation of Teachers 2000.