Hawaii is growing its ranks of nationally certified teachers faster than any other state in the country, according to a Department of Education press release.

The department, along with Kamehameha Schools and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, announced today that 59 Hawaii teachers this year earned the 10-year certification, which entails a rigorous application process and is widely seen as a prestigious distinction reserved for the top educators in the country. Applications include a competitive performance-based, peer-review process and a $2,500 fee for first-time candidates, though some financial aid is available. 

Over the past three years, the number of teachers in Hawaii receiving the certification has grown exponentially. The total number of nationally certified teachers in the state now stands at 469. Nationally, 106,000 teachers have board certification.

The press release points to research showing how much of a positive impact nationally certified teachers have on student achievement. A 2012 Harvard University study found that the learning gains made by students of nationally certified teachers in Los Angeles equates to an additional two months of math instruction and one month of that in English language arts. 

In announcing the news, the Hawaii DOE highlighted the administrative and technical support it has offered certification candidates, including a program in partnership with Kamehameha Schools geared at helping the teachers transition into the new evaluation system. 

Photo: Teacher in the classroom. (Photo courtesy of Flickr: www.audio-luci-store.it via Flickr.)

— Alia Wong