Governor Ryan Applauds Illinois' Largest Class of Nationally Board Certified Teachers

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan today recognized the 162 Illinois teachers who achieved National Board Certification for 2001, making this the largest class of nationally certified teachers in Illinois' history.

"Part of my agenda for the last three years has been to help increase the number of board certified teachers we have in Illinois," Governor Ryan said. "I'm very proud that since I became governor, we've been able to increase the number of certified teachers from 37 to more than 500."

A total of 350 Illinois teachers have now achieved certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and more than 250 additional teachers will receive their certifications by November of this year. Teachers in Illinois first participated in the certification process in 1994 when only 3 teachers achieved certification. Last year, 98 Illinois teachers received certification, nearly doubling the 1999 level of 53 newly certified by NBPTS.

Teachers in Illinois get a one-time stipend of $3,000 from the state when they achieve NBPTS certification. They may receive an additional $1,000 if they agree to mentor other teachers or $3,000 if they mentor teachers in a high-poverty district. Nationally certified teachers are awarded an Illinois' Master Certificate that is valid for ten years, rather than the five years for a Standard Certificate. Completing the NBPTS certification requirements fulfills the five-year professional development requirements that must be completed to renew Standard Certificates.

A list of Illinois' teachers who achieved NBPTS certification is available on the NBPTS website.