The National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University has been recognized by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for the excellence modeled by its staff in supporting Illinois teachers working to achieve their National Board certification in 2021. The NBRC is one of only eight networking programs across the country being honored in the category of “Candidate Support – Initial and MOC.”

“The National Board Resource Center is thrilled to be receiving this recognition. We will strive to continue and advance our support for educators pursuing and maintaining National Board certification in the state of Illinois,” said Amy Smith, director of the National Board Resource Center. 

The National Board Resource Center (NBRC) was established in 1999 as one of five national resource centers by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The NBRC shares resources nationally and has been a leader in building the Illinois program. The NBRC is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to the outstanding teaching provided by National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs).

The only resource center in the Midwest, the NBRC has built the capacity of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in growing the number of NBCTs in all regions of Illinois, as well as providing resources and information about the impact of NBCTs on student learning and aligning programs to the National Board’s Standards for accomplished teaching. The NBRC has worked in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education since 2002 to ensure that all Illinois educators have access to information, professional development, and support regarding National Board Certification.

Across the country, 76 National Board networks play a key role in building and sustaining National Board certification, supporting educators who wish to challenge themselves and prove they teach to the profession’s highest standards. The networks also build pathways for National Board Certified Teachers to serve leadership roles throughout their region and state. 

“We are grateful for each network’s unique contributions advancing our mission. I’m especially excited to honor the awardees for standing out as exemplary. We’re lucky to have their partnership,” said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 

National Board Network Honors are presented in five areas which can be earned by multiple networks each year. They are ‘Overall Excellence,’ ‘Awareness and Recruitment,’ ‘Candidate Support: Initial and MOC,’ ‘NBCT Engagement and Mobilization,’ and ‘Advocacy and Teacher Leadership.’