National Board Certification

Teachers reaching higher standards means better learning for all students. 

Reasons to Certify

• Students learn more. A decade of research shows that students of Board-certified teachers learn more than their peers without Board-certified teachers. Studies have also found that the positive impact of having a Board-certified teacher is even greater for minority and low-income students.

• Teachers improve their practice. Board Certification allows teachers to hone their practice, showcase their talent in the classroom and demonstrate their dedication to their students and their profession.

• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Schools with National Board Certified Teachers are characterized by better teacher morale and retention and increased community involvement. 

Financial Benefits

• Salary incentives to encourage teachers to pursue and achieve National Board Certification.

  • Bedford County adds an additional $1000.00 to your annual salary as a separate stipend.

  • Each December the government gives you a financial reward: (per funds being available)

    • Initial $5,000 award

    • Subsequent $2,500 annually for life of certificate

• Board certification counts toward state licensure renewal.

• If interested in pursuing National Board you may apply for TUITION ASSISTANCE (TAP) to help cover up to $1000 of the fees.

5 Core Propositions: the profession's vision for accomplished teaching

Proposition 1: Teachers are committed to students and their learning

Proposition 2: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students

Proposition 3: Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning

Proposition 4: Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience

Proposition 5: Teachers are members of learning communities

Who has earned National Board Certification in Bedford County?

• Ellen Fagan, Moneta Elementary School, Generalist/Middle Childhood

• Mary Kate Glime, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Generalist/Middle Childhood

• Heidi Hackworth, Forest Middle School, English Language Arts/Early Adolescence

• Sara Jackson, New London Academy, Generalist/Early Childhood

• Patricia McDouall, Liberty Middle School, Science/Early Adolescence

• Donnie Norman, Forest Middle School, Physical Education/Early Adolescence Through Young Adulthood

• Clell Smyth, Forest Middle School, Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence

• Diane Sosa, Forest Elementary School, Generalist/Early Childhood

• Melinda Sprinkle, Forest Middle School, Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence

• Lisa Taylor, Huddleston Elementary School, Generalist/Early Childhood

• Sherry Wiese, School Board Office, Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

More information regarding National Board Certification: https://www.nbpts.org/