March 1, 2019
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) recognized 83 educators as part of the 2018 National Board Certification Recognition Celebration this week. The honorees represent 51 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and 32 educators who successfully renewed their certification.
National Board Certification is among the highest standard credential for educators in the United States. The process can take up to three years and requires the successful completion of four components: content knowledge, differentiation in instruction, teaching practice and learning environment, and effective/reflective practice.
West Virginia’s support of the program has led to the state ranking 15th in the nation for the percentage of National Board Certified Teachers, and 24th for the number of NBCTs (996). In addition to an annual $3,500 salary supplement provided by the WVDE, most counties also support NBCTs with additional salary enhancements. WVDE provides mentors to help assist those pursuing their certification, and it also reimburses the $1,900 in fees associated with the application process.
“National Board Certified Teachers illustrate the best in their field because they have voluntarily invested time, energy and resources to increase their own professional learning while elevating student learning in the process,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine. “The effect this national certification has on teaching and the impact it has on learning among high-needs students has been proven.”
According to data from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, Board-certified teachers produce one to two months of additional learning because of their deep understanding of teaching strategies, individualized student learning and content knowledge. The impact is even greater among low-income and minority students.