Research shows strong relationships between quality teaching and student academic achievement. How do we then attract, support and retain the most accomplished teachers to schools with students who need them the most? These schools are where student achievement gaps are most distinct and int ractable. Washington's 900 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are a credible and influential voice to bring together to develop recommendations for policy makers in this arena.

National Board Certification is the gold standard for teacher accomplishment. Research indicates that NBCTs have a higher than normal, positive impact on learning among low-achieving students. However, research also indicates NBCTs are predominately located in affluent, suburban schools, not urban schools serving diverse student populations.
 
A coalition of national and Washington State organizations convened a "policy summit" of NBCTs to explore issues related to Washington's student achievement gaps - specifically supporting and staffing high-needs schools. In addition, the Summit focused on strategies for encouraging more teachers, especially teachers of color, to seek board certification. The purpose of the Summit was to create a forum within which the voice of Washington's most accomplished teachers can be heard. This wasl the first time that NBCTs from across the state werel brought together to examine a critical education issue.

The outcome from the Summit created recommendations that accomplished teachers believe can guide policymakers on this issue. The Summit also presented a powerful opportunity for a variety of education interests - including communities of color organizations and other education associations - to work together to address this one dimension of the achievement gaps. This Summit could help build organizational relationships and momentum for future collaboration.

The Policy Summit was held at the SeaTac Marriott hotel on Saturday, October 21, 2006. Over 350 Board Certified Teachers attended. The Summit wasl co-convened by Terry Bergeson, Superintendent for Public Instruction and Charles Hasse, President of the Washington Education Association.

Click here to read the web page, at Partnership For Learning, titled "National Board Certified Teachers Discuss What it Would Take to Get Their Ranks into the State's High-Needs Schools"