BIE NBCT Network

It is our joy to share with you the power that has been created by the joining of the BIE and the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in working towards equity within Indian education.

As you may know, in 2015 a campaign was created to serve teachers at BIE-funded school to support them in pursuing National Board Certification. Past BIE Director Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel stated, “This partnership with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is not only an investment in our teachers, but in our students’ futures. By helping BIE teachers achieve the highest professional standard and become leaders in the classroom, we are able to raise the quality of teaching in BIE schools and enhance student learning and achievement.”

We have done just that! More BIE students are being taught by National Board Certified Teacher than ever before! The BIE affiliated schools are among the most rapidly growing cohort in the country in terms of the percentage of teachers who have achieved. Scores are on the rise due to the student-centered work BIE NBCT teachers are intentionally providing to their students. Read what Barb Rogers has to say about her NBCT experience.

“The NBC process forced me to not only closely examine my teaching, but also the services we provide our students and families. It forced me to ask, ‘Am I doing what’s easiest for the teacher or what’s best for the child?’ I knew I was a good teacher, even a great teacher. Teaching however is not just delivering content. It’s becoming completely intune with students’ needs.”

It's so important that Native students have accomplished teachers and I believe National Board Certification for teachers in Indian Country can ensure that we are able to realize this goal! Please encourage or require your teachers to take the first steps in creating a new narrative for our children by becoming National Board Certified. Please email me with any questions or support you many need to start this process.