Roettger-Svoboda says teachers tend to describe it as the best professional development they have ever done. But that lack has not proven to be much of a disincentive to IRA members, several hundred of whom have earned National Board certificates so far. Teachers are committed to students and their learning. 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. Perhaps the focus on the teacher is appealing in a period when the teacher's autonomy is being threatened. But the rising numbers suggest that the National Board certification process, as time goes on, will have influence not just on the careers of individual teachers but the profession as a whole. Castor says there are 13,000 candidates for certification in 2001. The plan does not envision certifying all U.S. teachers, Castor says.