Head of the class: National board certification called ‘bar exam for teachers’

HUNTSVILLE – More than 100 hundred National Board Certified Teachers from Huntsville City, Madison City and Madison County school systems turned out Wednesday night for the annual NBCT Appreciation Reception at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens.

Research shows the certified teachers increase student achievement, improve classroom management, and produce a higher return on investment for their schools.

The Raise Your Hand initiative, a partnership between the Creative Cities Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Huntsville Committee of 100, and The Schools Foundation are working to add 500 certified teachers to area schools. 

Brooklyn McCarley, a National Board Certified Teacher and 2021 Secondary District Teacher of the Year, teaches 6th- grade math at Riverton Intermediate School. McCarley received a Raise Your Hand grant for board training in 2020.  

“One of the big components is focusing on student growth,” said McCarley. “It’s very detailed. I think it’s changed the way that I focus on what are the small details and changes I can make to make sure that I’m getting the results across the board with all of the kids.” 

Achieving national board certification is no easy feat. There are four main components of the certification process that must be mastered to earn certification. The process can take years to complete.  

“It’s the bar exam for teachers,” said Melissa Shields, assistant state superintendent at the Alabama Department of Education. “As National Board Certified Teachers, we are united by a common bond, a dedication to creating a classroom environment where every student can thrive.  

“Our certification is more than a credential; it is a declaration of our commitment to the highest standards of teaching and learning.” 

The Raise Your Hand initiative provides scholarships to teachers to become nationally board certified.  

Committee of 100 CEO John Allen said the initiative’s goal is to achieve a density of 27% NBCTs in the three school systems. Raise Your Hand set a one-million dollar fundraising goal to provide 500 additional scholarships.   

“We have made tremendous gains toward that end,” Allen said. “I am proud to announce that we have raised nearly $720,000 in additional funding. The fundraising reflects evidence that our community believes in high-quality public education.”

Allen said the three school systems have experienced a 54% increase in NBCTs since 2020 and there are more than 200 teachers currently working on the board certification.  

“Imagine three school systems where we can ensure that every child will be taught by an NBCT during their education journey. That’s the impact you all are making and we are extremely grateful for your dedication,” he said.  

Superintendents Dr. Clarence Sutton of Huntsville City Schools, Dr. Ed Nichols of Madison City Schools and Kenneth Kubik of Madison County Schools also commended the teachers for their achievement.    

Pointing to a Raise Your Hand sign, Nichols thanked the gathered teachers for creating an environment where students can raise their own hands.  

“No child raises their hand in the classroom if they have not been adequately prepared, and no child raises their hand in the classroom where they don’t feel safe,” said Nichols.  

“That’s what you do. You’ve created an environment where young people are given skills, the knowledge to feel empowered to raise their hand. And they’re surrounded in a room where they know even if they make a mistake, someone’s there to catch them.”