A few items other than the budget are receiving hearings in the Capitol. One of them is AB90, a bill to expand the grants the state provides to Wisconsin residents who teach in Wisconsin to all teachers in Wisconsin, regardless of their state of residence. There are teachers in Wisconsin who reside in Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois. 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. Not only have they demonstrated teaching excellence, but teachers with National Board Certification are also assuming new leadership roles in education. These individuals are leaders in the classroom who also have the experience and qualifications to influence other teachers, administrators, school board members, and parents on education policy issues affecting their districts. Wisconsin lawmakers should be commended for choosing to reward teachers who successfully complete the rigorous process of National Board Certification.