The West Virginia Legislature as well as select individual counties recognize the unique professional development value of NBC and are providing incentives, support and recognition for teachers who seek certification. Teachers report that National Board assessments are challenging and time consuming, but provide a unique form of professional development that improves their teaching practice. Nationally since 1994, nearly 10,000 educators have achieved National Board Certification, with over 13,000 participating in 2000-2001. Twenty-three West Virginia teachers have attained National Board Certification. Teachers know the subjects they teach, and how to teach those subjects to students.
Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience. Teachers are members of learning communities. The National Board is developing advanced standards based on these propositions in more than 28 certification fields. Each set of standards represents consensus in the certification field of what makes an exemplary teacher. All rights reserved.