Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools recognized 121 new and 82 renewed National Board educators at a celebratory event March 12 at West Charlotte High.

National Board Certification is designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished educators to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. According to the National Board website, it’s the highest certification an educator may obtain and the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

The total of new CMS National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) marked a 64% increase over last year. It is also the sixth highest total of new NBCTs in the program’s 27-year history.

“Today, we honor not just individual achievements, but also the broader vision of what CMS strives to be,” said Gregory “Dee” Rankin, vice chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education and District 3 representative. “Our mission is to create high‑quality, equitable educational experiences for every student, in every classroom, every day. National Board-Certified Teachers play a vital role in bringing that mission to life.”

The certification process requires educators to demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with the Five Core Propositions. They must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.

“I am thrilled to celebrate our new and renewed National Board educators from across the district,” said Christina Roth, National Board Support Program specialist. “The teachers, school counselors and media coordinators recognized this evening have committed to continuous growth and the highest standards in their field. Their dedication has a lifelong impact on students, shaping not only what they learn in the classroom, but who they become long after they leave it.

“Our growing community of National Board educators reflects a strong culture of professional excellence across the district,” she said. “This year’s celebration is especially meaningful because we are recognizing the largest number — 121 — of new National Board Certified Teachers our district has had since 2010. I am incredibly proud of our districtwide support program and the role it plays in helping educators achieve National Board Certification.”

Statewide, exactly 804 educators achieved certification in this school year. North Carolina led the nation with 753 NBCTs successfully renewing their certification this school year. Official rankings include:

• North Carolina remains first in the nation for the total number of NBCTs (active and all time).
• North Carolina is first in the nation for the number of maintained NBCTs.
• North Carolina is second in the nation for the number of new NBCTs (835).
• North Carolina is second in the nation for the percentage of active NBCTs (11.52%).
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ranks second in the state (eighth in the nation) within the Top 25 School Districts for new NBCTs.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ranks second in the state (fourth in the nation) for the number of active NBCTs.

“One of the things I admire most about National Board‑Certified Teachers is your belief that growth is never finished,” said Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. “You embody the mindset that excellence is something you pursue – not a destination you ever reach. That’s the kind of energy that transforms classrooms and moves school systems forward.”