Washington ranked second in the nation this year for the number of its teachers that have achieved certification in a national teacher-certification program.
Seattle Times Eastside reporter
National Board Certified Teachers
Top 5 states by number of new certified teachers in 2009, with percentage increase from 2008.North Carolina: 1,509, 4% increase.
Washington: 1,248, 36% increase.
South Carolina: 798, 5% increase.
Illinois: 732, 4% increase.
Florida: 651, 5% increase.
Source: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Washington ranked second in the nation this year for the number of its teachers that received certification in a national teacher-certification program.
The state now ranks fifth nationally in the total number of its teachers that are certified under the program, which is run by the private, nonprofit National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
And three of the state's districts — Bellevue, Seattle and Spokane — are among the nation's top 20 in terms of the number of teachers who achieved national board certification in 2009.
To receive certification, teachers must submit four portfolios, including an examination of student work and video recordings from the classroom. Only about half of teachers who make