The Austin Independent School District continues to have the largest number of nationally certified teachers, employing more than four times as many as any district in the state, an amount that is increasing with the recent certification and certification renewal of 32 AISD teachers. 

Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is one of the highest professional certifications teachers can obtain. Currently, 248 AISD teachers have achieved certification through the rigorous process, which requires teachers to analyze and reflect on their practices in the classroom. 

AISD's Board of Trustees recognized the new National Board Certified Teachers during the board's meeting April 22. 

“The district has the largest number of nationally certified teachers of any district in the state because AISD has made the certification process a priority,” said Jan John, director of professional development in AISD’s Office of Educator Quality. “By encouraging and empowering teachers to go through the national certification process, AISD is ensuring that its students have the best equipped and talented teachers.”

The district has a long history of supporting teachers in achieving National Board Certification, with the first cohort of 10 teachers earning their certification in 2000. 

As part of AISD’s commitment to the certification process, the district covers the costs of the $2,500 certification fee, pairs teachers with peer mentors who offer advice, support, training and coaching, and provides an annual $2,000 stipend to teachers who achieve the prestigious certification.

“Almost every teacher you talk to says National Board Certification was the best professional development they’ve ever done, and I would agree,” said Brenda Beams, a teacher at Cowan Elementary School in South Austin, who completed the certification program in 2003 and renewed in 2012. “The certification process forces you to reflect, and be analytical about your own classroom, your own students, and your own teaching style. During the process, you’re constantly working to come up with the highest level of creative and impactful lessons, and that pattern extends into your daily teaching so that you get into a cycle of highly accomplished teaching.”  

As a testament to the program, teachers who have received certification have also snagged coveted teaching awards. AISD has had four NBTCs receive the Milken Family Foundation Award, hailed as the ”Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine. 

Teachers who have achieved certification have also earned or won numerous other awards, including the Disney American Teacher Award, Teacher(s) of the Year, HEB Teaching Awards and honors/recognitions bestowed by professional subject area associations. 

Many teachers who earn national certification pursue leadership roles within the district becoming principals, assistant principals, mentors or administrators.  

A full list of the teachers to earn their certification or renew their certification in 2012 is below: 

*Renewal