White House, Governor Perdue Applaud NBC Teachers

With this week’s announcement of the new 2011 National Board Certified teachers, people have taken note of North Carolina’s continued leading position in the number of teachers we have who have earned this important professional credential. Governor Perdue released her congratulatory statement noting that “Our state’s investments in teachers have paid off,” she said. “This is exactly why our state cannot afford to turn back on our legacy of investing in education.”

The White House hosted a group of newly minted NBC teachers on Wednesday, heralding the newest national class of 6,200, which brings to nearly 100,000 the total number of NBC teachers in the U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan welcomed the group with remarks about how the National Board process can help improve instruction and enhance teacher leadership.

The North Carolina Department of Public instruction news release noted that of the 100,000 NBC teachers, 19,193 or nearly one-fifth, work in North Carolina’s public schools.

“NCAE’s support of NBC candidates at all stages of the certification process and our continued advocacy on issues related to certification have been the most significant factors in making North Carolina the leader in NBC teachers,” NCAE President Sheri Strickland said. “As an association, we’re pleased to see so many people taking note of the success and positive impact of NBC educators.”

The White House event also paid tribute to the 25th anniversary of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.