In an opinion piece in "The New York Times," Jal Mehta, assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, criticized the teaching profession for not establishing an educational equivalent of the National Institutes of Health in order to "make serious headway" in elevating the professionalism of teaching. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, in existence since 1987, was formed to do just that. With specifications on accomplished teaching in different subject areas, the National Board clarifies specific propositions to define excellence in teaching. “What Teachers Should Know and Be Able to Do” is a published document that details these propositions and provides definitions for the teaching profession.
Above all else, the National Board recognizes the value of equitable treatment of every student in the classroom, with acknowledgement of cultural and family backgrounds and accommodations made for differing levels of ability equally significant in education of the whole child. Teachers who make a difference are dedicated to creating an atmosphere of positive acceptance for the total child. Understanding developmental stages and ways of learning are essential in encouraging motivation and fostering character development. The National Board further qualifies excellent teaching as knowing how to engage students for learning and using multiple ways to assess academic growth in individual students as well as for the whole class. Great teachers organize instruction and move through material at a pace that reaches all learners and keeps them engaged.
Teachers across every level should have mastery of what they teach. The National Board specifies this to include deep knowledge of the subject and how to convey it to students, as well as an awareness of gaps in knowledge that children might bring to the classroom. A strong teacher knows how to use diverse methods of instruction to reach all learners. Another proposition of excellence is the requirement for teachers to be continual learners themselves. In addition to knowing current instructional trends and practices, excellent educators continue to reflect on their teaching and incorporate new findings into their instructional methods.
Teachers who excel are leaders. The National Board requires certified teachers to continue collaboration with others in the field. Knowing how to work closely with other educators as well as parents and community groups is another hallmark of a teacher who can use all available resources and supports to help students achieve in the classroom and society. These are the basic tenets that form the foundation of knowledge, skills, and beliefs that characterize excellence in teaching.