Ed Week reports that the percentage of black teachers achieving National Board Certification increased by 24 percent in 2006, while the number of Hispanic teachers also went up by 13 percent in that year--good news for minority and low-income students who are more often taught by Black and Hispanic teachers.

Those who have gone through the process will tell you that obtaining certification is more than just achieving recognition for excellence in teaching, the experience actually makes you a better teacher in the process.  Rebecca Palacios, who has previously written for this blog, remarks:

Since becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, I use more inclusive strategies to meet diverse learners and learning styles, more rubric-based assessment for students . . . and I have become more active in incorporating the standards into my daily teaching.

Interested in becoming a National Board Certified Teacher?  Check out this section of the AFT Web site.