But our students also reap the benefits because they gain teachers who are more competent and more confident. Governor Jim Hodges and Tenenbaum set a goal last year of having 500 National Board-certified teachers in South Carolina classrooms by 2002. At this rate, we'll pass our initial goal of 500 two years early. I congratulate those teachers who have reached this professional milestone, and I'm proud of all our applicants who have become better teachers as a result of their participation in this process. Several incentives offered in South Carolina are contributing to the huge number of teachers seeking National-Board certification.
Some school districts provide additional salary increases.
Some colleges and universities are redesigning master's degree programs to focus on National Board standards. Teachers who seek National Board Certification undertake a two-part process that takes from one to three years to complete. The process requires candidates to reflect on their classroom practices, their understanding of subject material and their preparation techniques. In addition to preparing a portfolio with videotapes of classroom teaching, lesson plans, student work samples, and written essays, teachers must pass a test that shows they have mastered the subjects they teach and also know how to teach them. It affirms our commitment to ensure that our best and brightest teachers remain in the classroom and are compensated for their outstanding efforts.