Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize and Encourage National Board Certified Teachers

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced a resolution to recognize National Board Certified Teachers by designating the last week of January as “National Board Certified Teacher Week.” The resolution, also led by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), encourages administrators, school districts, and states to promote the growth of National Board Certified Teachers. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Julia Letlow (R-LA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR).

“This week, we recognize over 130,000 National Board Certified teachers across the country,” said Senator Hirono. “By opting to complete this rigorous certification process, these caring, competent, and creative educators have shown their commitment to improving their schools and enhancing the learning experience of their students. This resolution celebrates these educators and their dedication to children in Hawaii and across the nation.”

National Board Certification is a rigorous process that teachers can voluntarily opt into to strengthen their teaching skills and demonstrate their effectiveness in the classroom. This process not only strengthens a teacher's career but also greatly benefits their students. As of 2023, there are over 780 National Board Certified Teachers in Hawaii.

Studies have shown students taught by National Board Certified Teachers learn more than their peers and are benefited by the leadership and mentorship National Board Certified Teachers provide. Board Certified teachers tend to stay in their professions much longer and can accelerate a student's learning by 1 to 2 months of instruction per school year. Studies also show that students who had a National Board Certified mathematics teacher just once during their education had increased lifetime earnings by $48,000.  

In addition to Senators Hirono, Heinrich, Britt, and Hyde-Smith, the resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

In addition to Representatives Letlow and Bonamici, the House resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Cartwright (D-PA), Ed Case (D-HI), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Judy Chu (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Don Davis (D-NC), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Max Miller (R-OH), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), David Trone (D-MD), David Valadao (R-CA), and Nikema Williams (D-GA).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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