---"Delaware’s achievement rate for first-year candidates an all-time high”---

The 46 teachers, representing 14 of Delaware’s 19 school districts, brings to 395 the total of Delaware teachers who have earned this prestigious honor since Delaware began its National Board Certification support program the during the 1996-1997 school year. 

Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. Overall, the first-year achievement rate is about 40 percent.  This year, Delaware’s achievement rate for first-year candidates was its highest ever at 68 percent.  Nationally, by the end of the third year, the achievement rate is approximately 65 percent.  Delaware’s achievement rate was comparable for its second and third year candidates.

“I would like to personally congratulate each of our new National Board Certified teachers for a job well done,” said Secretary of Education Valerie A. Woodruff.   “These 46 teachers have worked so hard and sacrificed so much to reach this level of certification.”  Added Secretary Woodruff, “Being National Board Certified is a testament to each teacher’s devotion and dedication to their profession.”

“Like board-certified doctors and accountants, teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous criteria through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review,” said NBPTS President and CEO Joseph A. Aguerrebere. “Research demonstrates that National Board Certified Teachers consistently outperform their peers in knowledge of subject matter and ability to create challenging and engaging lessons.”

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2007.  Created by educators and policymakers in 1987, the NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization. NBPTS advances the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching; creating and administering National Board Certification, a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards; and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts. Today, more than 63,500 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are making a positive difference in the lives of students across the nation.

The 46 new National Board Certified Teachers, alphabetically by school district and name, are: