Nineteen teachers in the San Diego Unified School District this year earned National Board Certification, the highest national standard for teaching, the district announced today.
The number more than triples the six who received certification in 2006. The increase comes as local teachers prepare to meet “highly qualified teachers” recognition under the No Child Left Behind Initiative , said district spokesman Jack Brandais.
A total of 166 teachers in the district have now received the certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and 60 more are preparing for certification, the district said.
Certification is voluntary. Teachers apply by building a portfolio of student work samples, assignments, videotapes and an analysis of their classroom teaching. They are also assessed on their knowledge of the subjects they teach, according to the NBPTS Web site.
“We're proud of the high standards of professional expertise each of these outstanding teachers has attained," said Superintendent Carl A. Cohn. “National certification requires exemplary scholarship, superb instructional skills and tremendous perseverance. They're recognized throughout the U.S. as teachers' teachers, the best of the best, the cream of the crop.”
The San Diego Unified School District is the second largest in California, serving more than 135,000 students.
