The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has announced that 4,117 teachers received certification from the group in 2013—down 17 percent from the previous year and more than 50 percent from 2008.
Washington state had the most new certifications in 2013, with 516. New Hampshire was the only state last year with no teachers attaining the voluntary national credential.
The board has hit some roadblocks over the past few years, including states’ scaling-back of financial incentives for teachers to earn its certification and a growing policy emphasis on student achievement rather than professional credentials.
