North Carolina NBCTs Connect with Colleagues in Innovative Web Environment  

March 10, 2008
Contact: Alice Williams, awilliams@teachingquality.org 

Inspired by the considerable teaching quality investment of its home state of North Carolina, the Center for Teaching Quality is drawing on the expertise of an extremely valuable, but underutilized resource – the state’s nearly 13,000 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), including more than 1,600 NBCTs in math and science areas. A group of these highly accomplished teachers will serve as the core of a new virtual network, in which experienced NBCTs will work with their novice and out-of-field teaching colleagues to 1) provide just-in-time mentoring to improve instructional practice; and 2) offer support and guidance for math and science teachers interested in pursuing National Board Certification themselves.

Throughout the nation, students in high-needs schools are more likely to be taught by teachers who are the least prepared. The situation is particularly dire for secondary math and science where the shortage of certified teachers is critical. The Center for Teaching Quality recognizes that while NBCT’s tend to produce higher student achievement gains, they are less likely to be found in the nation’s high-needs schools. CTQ surveyed over 1,400 North Carolina NBCT’s with specializations in math and science, finding a high level of interest among them in mentoring and leadership activities. The virtual mentoring work will begin in three high-needs school districts, with schools choosing the professional-development services most appropriate for their needs. The NBCT Coaches will mentor both out-of-field and beginning teachers.

Policymakers are realizing that teacher quality is the school-based factor that impacts students most. Efforts to give high-needs students access to qualified, capable teachers is gaining wide support. This NBCT Network initiative is made possible through the support of GlaxoSmithKline and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, in addition to the valued partnership of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the Governor’s Office and the North Carolina General Assembly. Support from Washington Mutual is also allowing CTQ to explore replicating this unique professional development model in other states, including California and Washington.