 This year’s class of Kentucky National Board Certified Teachers celebrated their pinning ceremony at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm on the Kentucky State University campus. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, Feb. 6, 2025
(FRANKFORT, KY) – Kentucky recognized 117 teachers newly certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) during a Feb. 6 ceremony.
Kentucky has the ninth-largest class of new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in the country, bringing the total number of NBCTs in the state to 4,485. This year, 170 Kentucky educators opted to renew their certification as well.
“You have taken more than 400 hours to invest in yourself through this process. Your kids are watching. Your students are watching. They’re seeing you put in the time. They’re seeing you work to achieve. They’re seeing you work to pursue a dream and that shows them an example of how they can reach for their dreams and strive to do the work and achieve what they want to in their lifetime,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.
Established in 1987 to develop, retain and recognize teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide, the NBCT designation is the highest certification a teacher may obtain in addition to being the most respected.
The road to obtaining National Board certification is challenging. Educators must submit a detailed portfolio that includes examples of student work, an outline of what teachers have done outside of the classroom to improve student achievement and video recordings that show how they teach and interact with students. In addition, they must submit a reflective piece on student assessment and learning and then take a rigorous exam to demonstrate they have mastered the content of their chosen certification area.
“We are honored to have such a robust class of National Board Certified Teachers in the Commonwealth,” said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. “The designation ensures our children are receiving the highest-quality education from the highest-quality teachers, who truly deserve our respect after working to achieve such an honor. It also shows that Kentucky’s teachers are ‘All In’ in their dedication to Kentucky’s children.”
National Board certification is voluntary and open to all educators currently teaching with a state-issued license. Certification can be issued after three years of teaching experience. Certification is available in 25 certificate areas, from preschool through 12th grade. NBCTs must go through a renewal process to maintain their certificate every five years.
“The teachers here put in the hard work that it takes to get National Board certified. You are in the seat you’re supposed to be in for such a time like this, said 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and keynote speaker Jennifer Montgomery, who teaches for Eminence Independent Schools. “What each of you do in the classroom every single day matters. No one else can do it quite like you can.”
Kentucky has strong statewide support for National Board certification. NBCTs are entitled to an annual $2,000 salary bonus for the life of their certificate.
Upon successful completion of National Board certification, Kentucky teachers currently holding a Rank II certificate are eligible to apply for Rank I status, and those currently holding a Rank III certificate are eligible to apply for Rank II.
“Together, we are building a future of accomplished teachers that is ranked as the highest standard. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Together, we are making a lasting impact,” said Peggy Brookins, president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. “I thank you for the dedication to this profession, the whole heartedness towards your students that you serve. Let’s continue to raise the bar and move education forward.”
Kentucky NBCTs also get to join the Kentucky National Board Network, which is a community of NBCTs, candidates and supporters across Kentucky. They help provide resources and support candidates through their journey to attaining NBCT status.
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