In the past decade, national certification programs have emerged, designed in large measure to promote higher standards for teachers and to establish a cadre of "master" teachers. These efforts have focused on elevating the professional standing of teachers as well as increasing the overall quality of classroom teachers and student achievement.
National certification has been propelled by state efforts designed to encourage more teachers to become nationally qualified. Nearly all states nationally, and all but two SREB states, have adopted incentive pay, bonuses or other rewards for teachers securing National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards® (NBPTS) was created in 1987. Offered on a voluntary basis, National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing. While state licensing systems set entry-level standards for novice teachers, National Board Certification establishes advanced standards for experienced teachers.
Founded in 2001, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence addresses the need to place a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. American Board certification offers a novice teacher assessment called the "Passport to Teaching" and plans to develop a "Master Teacher Certification" assessment. As of July 2004, American Board certification is currently accepted under certain conditions in Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Florida. An American Board applicant for Florida Certification will receive an official Statement of Status of Eligibility for a Florida Temporary Certificate, which is valid for three years. Additional requirements are necessary for full Florida certification. The Florida Temporary Certificate is issued after the individual is employed in a Florida school and his/her fingerprints have been cleared.
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