[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 14 (Thursday, January 25, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 533--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 
  JANUARY 21 THROUGH 27, 2024, AS ``NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS 
                                 WEEK''

  Mr. HEINRICH (for himself, Mrs. Britt, Ms. Hirono, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, 
Mr. Kaine, Mr. Fetterman, Mr. King, Mr. Wyden, Ms. Smith, and Mr. Van 
Hollen) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 533

       Whereas National Board Certification is based on rigorous 
     standards developed by teachers for teachers to demonstrate 
     the ability of teachers to advance student learning and 
     achievement;
       Whereas research shows that students taught by National 
     Board Certified Teachers learn more, especially in the case 
     of low-income students;
       Whereas National Board Certified Teachers often positively 
     amplify their expertise by serving in leadership roles as 
     teacher mentors, principals, administrators, and district 
     leaders;
       Whereas National Board Certified Teachers rank National 
     Board Certification as their most important ongoing formal 
     education, above graduate-level coursework and other training 
     programs;
       Whereas National Board Certified Teachers are among the 
     thousands of educators around the United States who play a 
     critical role in addressing the learning loss incurred during 
     the COVID-19 pandemic;
       Whereas 29 States provide salary incentives for National 
     Board Certified Teachers, including 13 States that prioritize 
     incentives in high-needs schools;
       Whereas 44 percent of National Board Certified Teachers 
     serve students in schools receiving support under part A of 
     title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.);
       Whereas, in 2023, 3,527 teachers earned their National 
     Board Certification for the first time and 6,697 teachers 
     successfully maintained their certification, benefitting 
     thousands of students across the country; and
       Whereas, as of January 2024, there are a total of 137,015 
     teachers who have achieved National Board Certification: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of the week of January 21 
     through 27, 2024, as ``National Board Certified Teacher 
     Week'';
       (2) recognizes the importance and contributions of National 
     Board Certified Teachers to student learning and achievement; 
     and
       (3) encourages educators, administrators, school districts, 
     and States--
       (A) to promote the growth of new National Board Certified 
     Teachers; and
       (B) to provide the necessary incentives and support to 
     candidates for National Board Certification.

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