To develop and operate a national voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet those standards. To advance related education reforms for the purpose of improving student learning in American schools. The National Board is governed by a 63-member board of directors, the majority of whom are classroom teachers. A system of advanced standards and assessments forms the basis for 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. Based on these propositions, the National Board is developing advanced standards in more than 30 certification fields. Each set of standards represents consensus in the certification field of the critical aspects of teaching that distinguish the practice of exemplary teachers. Standards are developed by committees of teachers, teacher educators, developmental experts, and leaders in the disciplinary fields.