Research over decades show that students taught by National Board Certified Teachers do much better. See link and data below. https://www.nbpts.org/connect/research/ In addition, teachers who achieve National Board Certification, do it out of their will to be better teachers not because it’s a license requirement. So the dedication is very visible. If we really value good teachers and want to reduce the achievement gap, then support NBCTs by increasing the state stipend. $5000 initial and $2500 following year is very insufficient in a state where the cost of living is so high. Let’s put the money where the mouth is and support NBCTs by increasing state funding towards the annual stipend. This will retain more teachers in VA and help pursue more to become NBCTs. High compensation = highly qualified teachers = excellent student learning So please take action to support NBCTs

Comments Document

Melissa K. King, NBCT •6301 Edsall Rd, Unit 307 • Alexandria, VA 22312 • (703) 282 - 0555• melissakking@gmail.com RE: Increase Financial Support for National Board Certified Teachers in Virginia My name is Melissa K. King and I am a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). I am writing to advocate for an increase in the annual stipend for National Board Certified Teachers in Virginia, raising it to $7,500. Currently, the Virginia National Board Certification Incentive Award (NBCIA) provides a stipend of only $2,500 per year. This amount has remained unchanged since the bill was passed more than a decade ago, despite growing evidence of the positive impact National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have on student achievement. Research consistently shows that students taught by NBCTs perform better than those taught by non-NBCTs. Neighboring states, such as Maryland, recognize the value of NBCTs by offering significantly higher stipends—$10,000 annually, with an additional $7,000 for NBCTs in Title 1 schools. These higher stipends are part of a broader effort to retain and attract high-quality educators, and something Virginia should consider, given a teacher shortage with over 4,500 vacancies. In order to retain skilled and dedicated teachers and ensure the best education for Virginia’s students, we must do more to support and recognize National Board Certified Teachers. Our students deserve the highest level of expertise in the classroom, and NBCTs should be rewarded accordingly. For me, becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) was a pivotal moment in my career, fostering both professional growth and pride. Though the process is rigorous, it is by far the best professional development I’ve ever had. This opportunity is sustained, and self-selected. It aligns with my current needs, focuses on actionable strategies, and offers opportunities for practice and reflection, all aimed at improving student achievement. It deepened my understanding of the link between effective preparation and student learning, shifting my focus from teaching delivery to improving student outcomes. I urge you to support legislation that increases the stipend for National Board Certified Teachers when it comes to a vote on the Floor. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. Sincerely, Melissa K. King Melissa K. King

Dear Members of the K-12 Subcommittee, I am writing to express my strong support for HB2381. This legislation is a pivotal step toward enhancing the quality of education in Virginia by recognizing and rewarding the exceptional contributions of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). The expansion of this program will align Virginia with neighboring states, provide critical support for our educators, and benefit our students and schools. Research consistently demonstrates that students taught by NBCTs achieve greater learning gains compared to their peers. These benefits are particularly pronounced among students facing significant barriers to learning, such as those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those with special educational needs. By expanding the NBCT program, Virginia can ensure that more students have access to the high-quality education they deserve. Furthermore, NBCTs are significantly more likely to remain in the profession compared to non-certified counterparts, providing continuity and stability for schools and students alike. Compensation plays a critical role in attracting and retaining effective educators. In Virginia, low teacher pay has contributed to a troubling exodus of experienced educators. A 2023 JLARC survey revealed that 43% of licensed teachers who left Virginia public schools indicated they might return if offered better pay. Among those who left due to personal dissatisfaction or other reasons, 55% cited inadequate salary as a significant factor. The NBCT incentive program is an essential tool for addressing this issue, but current award amounts have not kept pace with inflation. Since the program’s inception 25 years ago, the $5,000 and $2,500 awards for certified educators have lost nearly half their value due to inflation. As a result, the number of NBCTs in Virginia has declined, dropping from 1,879 in the 2018-19 school year to 1,635 in 2023-24. By increasing the annual award amounts and expanding eligibility, HB2381 provides a much-needed boost to this critical program. Virginia’s current National Board Certification incentive program lags behind those of neighboring states. For example, Maryland offers a $10,000 annual award, plus an additional $7,000 for educators in low-performing schools, and reimburses certification costs. North Carolina provides a 12% salary increase and reimburses up to $1,900 in certification costs, with full reimbursement for those in low-performing schools. West Virginia awards $3,500 annually, plus $2,000 for educators in low-performing schools, and reimburses certification costs. By adopting HB2381, Virginia can position itself as a leader in education, ensuring that our state remains competitive in attracting and retaining top-tier educators. I urge the members of the K-12 Subcommittee to support HB2381 and take this vital step toward strengthening education in Virginia. Thank you for your consideration and for your dedication to the future of our students and schools. Sincerely, Melissa Larimer, NBCT, Hanover County Public Schools

Good morning. I’m Dr. Amy Brown, National Board Certified Teacher, and I have been an advocate for this certification since I engaged in the rigorous process in the early 2000s. Numerous research studies indicate NBCT’s have a measurable positive impact on student learning, even beyond the impact of other highly qualified educators who are not NBCTs. Knowing that, and as a parent of two school-age children, I would love to see all of our students have the benefit of an NBCT guiding their instruction, serving in school counseling offices and media centers, and leading school administrations. The reality, however, is that fewer than 4% of Virginia’s teachers are National Board certified, and there are numerous counties, cities, and geographic regions throughout our state that have not a single National Board Certified Teacher among their educators. HB 2381 not only serves to incentivize National Board Certification by recognizing those who have already achieved this high bar, but it also helps break down barriers to access for those who are unable to pay the fees associated with becoming certified. While a handful of school divisions and organizations, such as the Virginia Education Association, Southeastern Virginia NBCT Regional Network (also known as SEVA), and the Virginia NBCT network have long been engaged in supporting educators pursuing certification, the reality is that we need the support of our legislators and our Governor to achieve that worthy aim of having NBCTs in every school division and available to all of our students. And if you need more pragmatic reasons to support National Board Certification, I would also note that in a time where we are struggling to recruit and retain high caliber educators, NBCTs have demonstrated a commitment to ongoing improvement and addressing specific student needs, and that the attrition rate among NBCTs is significantly lower than non-NBCT educators. Thank you for your consideration of this bill.

I have just earned National Board certification in December. I can attest that this was the most profound professional development I have experienced. However, it took hours of my time over multiple years and I paid for the certification completely out of pocket. While I want to recommend this process to other teachers, extended financial incentives would help to encourage highly skilled teachers. The current incentives have not been updated for many years. I was surprised that only 1.7 of Virginia teachers are NBCTs. We are behind other states.

I earned my national board certification last December. The NBCT process was as rigorous as my graduate program. Many claim that teacher's compensation should be merit based; this certification is the best signifier of merit a teacher can achieve. Also, with the lucrative bonuses covered by Maryland and North Carolina makes it very inciting to move to those states. I seriously wonder how many teachers we lose to those states because we are behind attracting highly qualified teachers. Lastly the extra bonus for Title I schools would provide significant incentive to move to such a school. Please support HB 2381.

As a NBCT(2009/2018), I can honestly say that this accomplishment has provided an immense amount of professional development , networking opportunities, and self reflection in the profession . I’ve been teaching for more than 22 years and have seen the decline in the number of people wanting to enter the educational realm. I’ve also worked with National board by mentoring and encouraging people to participate . Most comments lately is that it is not worth the time and/effort . Passing this bill will definitely attract more teachers to try this certification process. Although the incentive may be the driving force, once entering this process the professional development , reflection on practice , and mentoring will have some impact on the candidates . Imagine the benefits this will have on students taught by NBCT as well. There are so many people willing to relocate to areas where this certification feels celebrated . I’ve encountered numerous teachers in other states who strongly encourage me to transfer to neighboring states that appreciate NBCTs more . I hope that this bill passes as I would love to see the number of teachers engage in the process and be rightfully compensated.

Thank you for taking time to reflect on the issue of incentives given to those who accomplish becoming a National Board Certified Teacher. Reflection, is a key component of becoming certified. Becoming certified improved my teaching after 16 years in the classroom and also gave me a boost to stay in as an educator because of the incentive and professional development. With many teachers leaving the profession, I chose to stay after becoming certified so that at the end of my career I would know that I had done all that was possible to help my students and grow as an educator. I must let you know that teaching has become extremely more difficult since the pandemic. So much so that teachers are feeling hopeless. Who is coming alongside the educators with support? Knowing the incentive is NOT what neighboring States provide has been extremely important as I reflect on if I really can stay in. Please increase the incentive so that morale is boosted and more teachers can benefit from the incredible experience of becoming certified. If the incentive isn't increased, it gives certified teachers even more proof that we are on our own and not cared for in the profession. We need your support more than ever. Please reflect on the message it sends to teachers if you don't increase the incentive to the full extent. Sincerely, Anita Aberle, NBCT

The single most important factor in a student’s academic growth over the course of a school year is the effectiveness of the teacher in the room with them that year. National Board Certification not only increases educator effectiveness but helps retain some of the best teachers in the classroom. Becoming an NBCT is an investment, both financially and of time - sometimes taking as long, if not longer than a Master’s program. Please support this bill providing greater financial incentives for teachers to pursue certification and continue supporting the students of the Commonwealth.

I am writing to ask for support of HB 2381. National Board Certification in teaching (NBCT) is a rigorous professional development program for teachers that builds skills, recognizes excellence, and helps retain our educators. This bill moves Virginia in line with neighboring states to incentivize our best educators to undertake this endeavor and to stay in the classroom. The National Board Standards and certification process are closely aligned with Virginia’s Teacher Evaluation Standards and Performance indicators. Its individualized nature allows educators to focus on areas of their own professional growth that will benefit the students they serve. Numerous studies indicate students taught by NBCTs make greater learning gains compared to peers. Outcomes are even more prevalent among students facing more barriers to learning. Research suggests NBCTs have a lower attrition rate compared to non-NBCT educators. Many NBCTs refer to the National Board process as their most impactful professional learning experience. Effective teachers are the most important school-based determinant of student performance. Low pay in Virginia is contributing to an exodus of the state’s most experienced educators. A 2023 JLARC survey found 43% of licensed teachers who left teaching in Virginia public schools indicated they might return for better pay. Fifty-five percent of those who left for personal reasons or because they were unhappy cited inadequate salary as one of their reasons for leaving. The number of NBCTs eligible for incentive awards has decreased from 1,879 in the 2018-19 school year to 1,635 in 2023-24. Offering $5,000 for the first year of certification and $2,500 for subsequent years, Virginia is behind most neighboring states for NBCT awards. Thank you for reading and considering my input.

My name is Lauren McGehee Efird and I am a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) who resides and teaches 5th grade in Williamsburg James City County. I am one of only 1,635 NBCT teachers in Virginia. Less than 2% of Virginia's teachers hold the certification. The National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education. I received my certification in 2013 and renewed it in 2022. I am a 16-year veteran teacher with a master’s degree. Effective teachers are the most important school-based determinant of student performance. Please show your support for teachers who have demonstrated their effectiveness through this certification. I ask you to support HB 2381 and specifically a permanent increase in the NBCT stipend to $7,500 annually and to expand eligibility to all public-school staff. Please follow the lead from bordering states. Maryland gives $10,000 annually while North Carolina offers a 12% salary increase. Currently, I receive $2,500 annually from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the same national certification. The stipend has not increased in 20 years. National Board Certification benefits students, educators, and schools. As the number of NBCTs in Virginia has been declining, HB2381 incentivizes more educators to pursue this rigorous process and shows existing NBCTs that Virginia recognizes and values the expertise they bring to classrooms across the state. Please support HB2381 to expand the National Board Certification incentive reward program.