SFUSD Commends 16 Newest National Board Certified Teachers

Recognition is the Highest Level of Certification for Teachers in the U.S.

San Francisco (February 21, 2023) - San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne today announced that 16 district teachers have recently earned the distinction of being certified with the National Board Certification Program, the highest level of certification for teachers in the U.S. In addition, 60 teachers in the district have been recertified with the National Board.

National Board certification, an optional professional endeavor, is a rigorous assessment of teaching practice. Since the first SFUSD educator became National Board certified in 1999, the district has supported certification in partnership with United Educators of San Francisco (UESF). These educators earn the certification by analyzing and reflecting on their teaching practice, especially in terms of how their instructional decisions and actions impact SFUSD’s historically least-reached students. 

“Teaching in the 21st century is as demanding as ever, and San Francisco public school teachers work hard every day,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne said. “On top of teaching, board certified educators also voluntarily put themselves through one of the most rigorous programs in the country to become even better at their craft. The very fact that so many of our teachers are willing to go the extra mile to become better at their jobs has a direct impact on student success.”

Starting in 2014-15, SFUSD has offered comprehensive and coordinated support providing access to more teachers than ever before who are interested in pursuing this distinction. In addition to the deep learning and leadership opportunities, board certified teachers earn a $5,000 annual stipend for each year that they are certified as part of the district’s commitment to the retention of high-quality educators.

“I came back to SFUSD after certifying in the National Board because SFUSD recognized the impact of accomplished teaching and offers a stipend and leadership opportunities for NBCTs, unlike the charter school where I worked before. This makes me feel valued as a professional, and deepens my commitment to SFUSD,” said Tedra Matthews, Program Coordinator for SFUSD’s National Board Support Program.

Like board-certified doctors and accountants, teachers who achieve this certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment, and peer review. They build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videos of their teaching, and a thorough analysis of their work. These teachers must also demonstrate an ability to meet diverse student needs and show that they collaborate with a learning community outside of their classroom. Board certified teachers have to prove that they recognize students as individuals and adjust their teaching methods accordingly.

Go here to learn more about the National Board Certification Program.

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