National Board Resource Center

Recognized Standard for Accomplished Educators

What is National Board Certification?

National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that recognizes accomplished educators who meet high standards through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process. It is designed to develop, retain, and recognize effective teachers and improve student learning nationwide.

"I found myself reflecting and utilizing data in daily ways that I had fallen out of the habit of doing. The questions I needed to ask myself for my video and data-informed practices became the questions I was asking myself during and after every lesson for every class. Asking myself why, how, and what impact? became an ingrained practice. It was also incredible to work with a mentor like Ray Salazar, who is such a knowledgeable educator. Our conversations went beyond the certification process into truly rich pedagogical discussions."

Rachel

"Since becoming certified, I have become even more intentional in my teaching, constantly reflecting on my practice and using the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching (AAT) as a guide. If a lesson series is not reaching a student, I assess, adjust, and refine my instruction to ensure meaningful learning. One of the most significant benefits I have experienced as an NBCT is the opportunity to impact not only my own students but also teachers and students statewide through mentoring, coaching, and facilitation."

Christina

"The National Board process gave me the structure to reflect more intentionally, to examine my impact, and to elevate my practice to meet the needs of all students. It forced me to step back from the day-to-day and ask if what I was doing was truly effective. That level of deep reflection helped me align my interventions more closely with student data and become more intentional in advocating for equity."

Leslie

"The experience has truly pushed me to analyze my teaching in ways I never had before. It’s not just about proving my skills—it’s about continuous growth and learning. Balancing my classroom responsibilities while working on my portfolio was a challenge, but it was worth it. It made me more intentional in my teaching practices."

Elise

Why Choose National Board Certification?

National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education. It provides a clear path for teachers to elevate their practice, demonstrate accomplished teaching, and impact student learning.

For Educators: What’s in it for You?

Professional Growth: The certification process deepens your knowledge, strengthens your teaching practice, and supports ongoing reflection and improvement.
Student Impact: Research shows that students of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) learn more, as certified teachers bring high levels of skill, content knowledge, and instructional excellence to the classroom.
Leadership Opportunities: NBCTs are often recognized as leaders in their schools, districts, and beyond—mentoring colleagues, shaping policy, and guiding school improvement.
Career Advancement and Recognition: Many states and districts offer financial incentives, leadership roles, and other forms of recognition to certified teachers.
Commitment to Equity: The certification process supports educational equity by encouraging teachers to meet the diverse needs of all students.

For Administrators: A Smart Investment in Your Staff

Improved Student Outcomes: NBCTs have a measurable impact on student learning, helping schools meet achievement and growth targets.
Instructional Leadership: NBCTs often take on leadership roles—mentoring peers, leading professional learning, and modeling best practices.
Talent Retention and Development: Supporting teachers through certification encourages long-term commitment and cultivates a highly skilled workforce.
School and District Recognition: Schools with NBCTs are recognized for excellence in teaching, boosting community confidence and reputation.
Alignment with Strategic Goals: National Board Certification supports district goals around instructional quality, equity, and continuous improvement.

Transform Your Practice, Elevate Your Career

National Board Certification is a voluntary, rigorous process that typically takes one to three years to complete. Candidates submit four components that showcase their teaching practice, content knowledge, and impact on student learning. Developed by teachers, for teachers, the process is grounded in professional standards and assessed by expert educators.

There are 25 certificate areas that reflect a wide range of teaching and counseling roles. Each certificate is guided by a unique set of standards that define what accomplished teaching looks like in that area, developed by practicing educators to represent the highest level of the profession.

The certification is administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), an independent nonprofit organization committed to advancing teaching excellence.

To support candidates, the National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University provides tools, guidance, and local partnerships with schools and districts to ensure educators have the support they need throughout their certification journey.

The Proven Impact of National Board Certification

Extensive research confirms that National Board Certification (NBC) has a positive impact on teaching practice, student learning, and school improvement. Studies consistently show that National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are more effective in the classroom, demonstrating deeper content knowledge, stronger instructional skills, and more meaningful engagement with students.

Research highlights include:

Improved Student Outcomes: Numerous studies have shown that students taught by NBCTs perform better on standardized tests and demonstrate stronger academic growth than those taught by non-NBCTs.
Elevated Teaching Practice: NBCTs are more likely to implement best practices, reflect on their teaching, and adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.
Leadership and Retention: NBCTs often take on leadership roles in schools and are more likely to remain in the profession, contributing to greater school stability and improvement.

The National Board process itself is rigorous, grounded in research-based standards, and designed to promote continual professional growth. At the National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University, we are committed to supporting educators through this transformative process and contributing to ongoing research that strengthens the teaching profession.

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