HR 1776: Importance of National Board Certification in strengthening the teaching profession in the State of Georgia; commend

House Resolution 1776

By: Representatives Dawson of the 65th, Glaize of the 67th, McQueen of the 61st, Berry of the 56th, Herring of the 145th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the importance of National Board Certification in strengthening the teaching profession in the State of Georgia; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the quality of teaching is the most significant in-school factor influencing student achievement and long-term educational success; and

WHEREAS, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) established National Board Certification as the highest voluntary professional certification for educators in the United States, recognizing accomplished teaching through rigorous standards and a commitment to continuous professional growth; and

WHEREAS, educators who achieve National Board Certification demonstrate advanced content knowledge, expert instructional practice, and the ability to analyze student learning to improve outcomes; and

WHEREAS, National Board Certified Teachers serve as instructional leaders who mentor colleagues, strengthen professional learning communities, and support improved teaching and learning in schools; and

WHEREAS, research shows that students taught by National Board Certified Teachers demonstrate higher academic growth and that schools with more certified teachers experience stronger collaboration and improved teacher retention; and

WHEREAS, Georgia currently ranks 50th in the nation in the percentage of educators holding National Board Certification, highlighting an opportunity to expand accomplished teaching across the state; and

WHEREAS, increasing the number of National Board Certified Teachers would strengthen the educator workforce, expand teacher leadership, and improve outcomes for Georgia's students; and

WHEREAS, organizations such as the Georgia Teacher Leader Consortium National Board Network support teachers pursuing certification through mentoring, professional learning, and collaborative networks.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize the contributions of National Board Certified Teachers and commend the educators who pursue this rigorous professional certification in service of Georgia's students.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize the importance of sustained investment in initiatives that support teachers pursuing National Board Certification, including mentoring programs, professional learning opportunities, and candidate support networks that strengthen the educator workforce and improve outcomes for Georgia students.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Teacher Leader Consortium National Board Network, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the Georgia Department of Education, and other appropriate state education leaders.