HCPSS Congratulates 174 National Board Certified Teachers

February 19th, 2025

One hundred seventy-four Howard County Public School System teachers recently achieved their National Board Certification, 164 of whom were first-time achievers and 10 who successfully renewed their certification. HCPSS now has a total of 457 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT).

National Board Certification (NBC) is the highest-level credential in the educational profession. Teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, self-assessment, peer review and expert evaluation. To qualify for this certification, a teacher must achieve a high score on a content knowledge assessment and three formal portfolio entries that include videos and written analyses of one’s instruction and response to the needs of their school community.

“I am incredibly proud of our new Nationally Board-Certified Teachers, as well as those who have renewed their certification,” says HCPSS Superintendent William J. Barnes. “Becoming Nationally Board Certified is a significant professional accomplishment and one that directly benefits the children and communities we serve.”

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) ranks HCPSS among the top three districts in Maryland for historical number of NBCTs and the total number of current NBC candidates. For the second consecutive year, NBPTS also lists HCPSS 5th among the top 25 districts nationwide for its total number of new NBCTs.

Staff in HCPSS’ Office of Teacher and Paraprofessional Development currently are supporting 394 candidates working toward National Board Certification and 15 candidates working toward NBC renewal. The candidates receive a range of supports—including bi-weekly and Saturday support sessions, mentoring, and coaching from HCPSS NBCTs.

Under its new strategic plan, HCPSS aims to increase the number of educators pursuing and completing National Board Certification. At the same time, HCPSS seeks to increase representation of educators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds among NBC candidates.

Questions on National Board Certification in Howard County may be emailed to Jennifer Hlavka, coordinator of National Board Certification & Teacher Career Pathways. Educators interested in pursuing their National Board Certification should join the HCPSS NBC Canvas community (login required) and register to attend an upcoming information session.

First Time Achievers

Renewal Achievers