Education Law

The cost of being certified

In the last ten years, many teachers have gone through the lengthy and difficult process of earning their National Board Certification, but things are changing for these expert teachers.  A teacher must be in the classroom for at least three years before considering the program and to become a board certified teacher (much like other professions), the coursework is demanding and time consuming.  In recent years, many states and districts have given incentives for teachers to go through the process, including paying for the courses, materials, and time off if needed, all in return for staying with the district that pays and perhaps even getting an additional pay increase for being a leader and expert.  For many teachers this has become a way of getting a raise in tough economic times, but as we all know, those times are changing.

An article in today’s Washington Post discusses the possibility of cutting the program, saving the district $600,000.  Other districts around the country are also contemplating cutting the extra cash for teachers, blaming trimmed down budgets and impacting fewer teachers than a wholesale change for all teachers.  With as much rhetoric coming out of Washington and state capitols about high teacher quality, the program is something we’d expect to hear about regarding increased funding, not the opposite.  The fact is, these dedicated teachers are often leaders in and outside the classroom.  If teacher-leaders stop being recognized (other than a polite thank you from administrators and parents), will they continue to lead? 

BoardBuzz gets concerned when good teachers and school leaders are taken for granted, especially in programs that work.  Students in Washington, D.C., as well as many other urban, rural, and suburban districts deserve more of these dedicated teachers who are rewarded for their professionalism and dedication to their field.  We know the money isn’t the only reason teachers become board certified, but isn’t it fair to pay them for going the extra mile?  In any other profession, they would be treated that way.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on January 11, 2010 (boomark / email).