Legislators Approve Bonus for National Board Certified Teachers

Further evidence that we do review the responses we get from our e-newsletters...I received an email today from an educator in Sumner gently taking us to task for not reporting on a bill that provides a bonus for National Board Certified Teachers.

Well they were right. This was worthy of at least a mention in our last e-newsletter.

SSHB 2262 and the final biennial state budget provide funds for a $5,000 a year bonus each year. This bonus kicks in next school year (2007-08). Then the annual bonus increases with inflation.

National Board teachers go through a rigorous two-year process that by all accounts leads to a higher level of mastery of the art of teaching. And increases in student achievement.

This new state-funded bonus recognizes the achievements of our existing national board teachers and hopefully will encourage more teachers to pursue this credential.

If my new friend in Sumner is reading this please let me know if I missed anything or better yet, chime in with any additions to this post.