The University of Central Arkansas was ranked 28th among the top 50 institutions of higher education to produce 2011 National Board Certified Teachers, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
UCA produced 33 National Board Certified Teachers in 2011. Three other Arkansas universities also ranked among the top 50.
National Board Certification requires classroom teachers to pass rigorous assessments and produce exemplary teaching materials and learning outcomes to earn the distinction of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher. National Board Certified Teachers are considered among the best in the teaching profession.
“I am pleased to see UCA hold a national ranking in the production of National Board Certified Teachers. This is a strong contribution to the education profession,” said Dr. Diana Pounder, dean of the College of Education. “I think as our recently revised ASTL program becomes even larger, we will see UCA’s place in these national rankings go even higher.”
Arkansas has more than 2,000 National Board Certified Teachers out of 97,000 nationally.
UCA participates in a National Board Certification training program supported by federal and state funds to prepare teachers for National Board assessment. The program also helps support candidates to defray some of their application and assessment costs. For more information, contact Dr. Carolyn Williams at carolynw@uca.edu or visit www.arkansased.org/educators/recognition/nbct.html.
UCA’s Department of Teaching and Learning offers a master’s degree program whose core courses help prepare educators for National Board Certification. The Advanced Studies in Teacher Leadership program also offers students a variety of specialization options including coursework in specific content or teaching assignment areas and other endorsement credentials to supplement their initial teaching license. For more information, call Dr. Jeff Whittingham at jeffw@uca.edu or visit uca.edu/tlt/astlprogram.php.
