Graphic reading: Kentucky NBCT Network Honored for Excellence in Advocacy and Teacher Leadership

On Jan. 28, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) recognized 21 National Board Networks that model excellence in support of the National Board’s mission.

The Kentucky National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) Network demonstrated outstanding achievement in the areas of teacher leadership and advocacy for accomplished teaching that leads to improved student learning. The Kentucky NBCT Network was the only National Board network in the country to receive the excellence award in this category.

“All of us at KDE are so proud of the Kentucky NBCT Network for being recognized for their outstanding advocacy and leadership,” said Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass. “We appreciate their commitment to making sure Kentucky’s teachers are prepared to help our students meet and exceed their goals. Kentucky has long been a national leader in the number of our teachers earning their National Board certification, and the Kentucky NBCT Network is one of the reasons we’ve been able to achieve and maintain that.”

The network is a community of National Board Certified Teachers, candidates and supporters across the Commonwealth. Founded by Holly Bloodworth – an NBCT in 2017 and a member of the Kentucky Board of Education – the network works closely with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to further the vision of accomplished teaching for all students.

The Kentucky NBCT Network showed exceptional leadership in its mobilization of teachers statewide to advocate for National Board support, an increased presence on social media, participation in the legislative process in order to support and spread accomplished teaching through National Board certification and engagement with various organizations and partners throughout the Commonwealth that might further enhance supports for National Board certification.

“As our network’s leader, I am both honored and humbled to receive this award. Our network comprises NBCTs and supporters from all of Kentucky’s regions,” said Kentucky NBCT Network president Sarah Yost, a teacher at Byck Elementary (Jefferson County). “We believe our work with the network will lead to better education experiences for Kentucky’s kids. This work is for the students we’ve known and the students we have yet to meet.”

Across the country, 76 National Board networks play a key role in building and sustaining National Board certification, supporting educators who wish to challenge themselves and prove they teach to the profession’s highest standards. The networks also build pathways for National Board-Certified Teachers to serve leadership roles throughout their region and state.

Recognized as the gold standard in teacher certification, the NBPTS believes higher standards for teachers means better learning for students. Established in 1987, NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit organization working to advance accomplished teaching for all students.