March 14, 2025
Mr. Heinrich (for himself, Mrs. Britt, Ms. Hirono, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Kaine, Mr. King, Mr. Reed, Ms. Smith, Mr. Wyden, and Mr. Fetterman) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Recognizing and honoring teachers who have earned or maintained National Board Certification.
Whereas National Board Certification is based on rigorous standards developed by teachers for teachers to demonstrate the ability of teachers to advance student learning and achievement;
Whereas research shows that students taught by National Board Certified teachers learn more than their peers;
Whereas National Board Certified teachers often positively amplify their expertise by serving in leadership roles as teacher mentors, principals, administrators, and district leaders;
Whereas National Board Certified teachers rank National Board Certification as their most important ongoing formal education, above graduate-level coursework and other training programs;
Whereas National Board Certified teachers are among the thousands of educators around the United States who play a critical role in addressing the learning loss incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas 29 States provide salary incentives for National Board Certified teachers, including 13 States that prioritize incentives in high-needs schools;
Whereas, in 2024, 4,355 teachers earned their National Board Certification for the first time and 4,884 teachers successfully maintained their certification, benefitting thousands of students across the country; and
Whereas, as of March 2025 there are a total of 141,464 teachers who have achieved National Board Certification: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)
honors the teachers who earned or maintained National Board Certification as of March 2025;
(2)
recognizes the importance and contributions of National Board Certified teachers to student learning and achievement; and
(3)
encourages educators, administrators, school districts, and States to—
(A)
promote increasing the number of new National Board Certified teachers; and
(B)
provide the necessary incentives and support to candidates for National Board Certification.