SENATE BILL NO. 83 "An Act providing for payment and loan incentives to public school teachers for national board certification." 10:14:16 AM Senator Thomas explained SB 83. He referred to the Sponsor Statement (copy on file): Teaching is one of the most difficult and important jobs we have in our society. In order to have good schools, we must have good teachers. Senate Bill 83 provides an incentive for teachers to ramp up their professional knowledge and skills by becoming nationally certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Teachers would be provided with zero interest loans designed to pay the expense of enrolling in the program. Once certified they would receive a $1,000 annual stipend for the duration of their certification period (ten years). If the teacher is serving in a low performing, high poverty area they would receive a $1,000 stipend for enrolling in the program, and $1,500 loan for the rest of the expense. They would also receive an additional $500 annually as long as they remained in a low performing, high poverty area. Becoming nationally certified is a rigorous and demanding process, and can take up to three years. There are 25 different areas of certification (see page 7 of the packet), and teachers specialize in their specific subject area. The certification process focuses on five aspects of teaching: Students and their learning, the subjects being taught and how to teach them, managing and monitoring student learning, thinking systematically about the practice of teaching, and being members of the learning community. We appreciate your support on this important bill. MURRAY RICHMOND, STAFF, SENATOR JOE THOMAS, explained SB 83 further. He stressed that the board was nationally recognized, and noted that certification was a rigorous three-year process. He explained the sections of the bill. 10:19:26 AM Co-Chair Stedman noted the new zero fiscal note from the Department of Education and Early Development for the Commission on Post-secondary Education and the new fiscal impact note from the Department of Education and Early Development for Teaching and Learning Support. RON THORPE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NATIONAL BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS, WASHINGTON DC (via teleconference), testified in support of SB 83. He explained that the board was at the forefront of high quality teaching education. He felt that board membership would provide peace of mind to parents. He emphasized that board certification standards were very high. He stressed that students who were taught by board-certified teachers displayed higher test scores. 10:24:42 AM Mr. Thorpe discussed the national board certified teachers in Alaska. He stated that there were currently 135 National Board Certified teachers in Alaska, with over 40 percent teaching in Anchorage and 20 percent in Fairbanks. He stressed that the number of certified teachers represented only 1.5 percent of the Alaska K-12 workforce. He stressed that the number of certified teachers was growing rapidly. He explained that in December 2011, there were 14 new Alaska teachers who had earned their national board certification. He explained that if a group of teachers could pursue the certification together. Mr. Thorpe shared a story about a rural school in New Mexico. He stated that in 2009, the school had never met federal standards. He stated that in 2009, a nationally certified teacher was hired as the principal, and the school gained 9 percent in math and 5 percent in reading, which resulted in the school meeting federal standards. PETE LEWIS, SUPERINTENDENT, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT (via teleconference), testified in support of SB 83. 10:30:22 AM TAMMY SMITH, FAIRBANKS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), spoke in support of SB 83. JOHN ALCANTRA, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, ALASKA, spoke in support of SB 83. He noted that 400 National Education Association (NEA) delegates gathered to profess support of SB 83. He explained that the state of Wyoming has a $4000 annual stipend for National Board certification for its teachers. 10:36:33 AM Senator Olson wondered what if national certification affected drop-out rates. Mr. Alcantra agreed to provide that information. Senator Olson wondered what positive impacts would occur with national certification. Mr. Alcantra replied that there was evidence of higher benchmark test scores and students advancing by one year. Senator Olson wondered how many teachers in private schools were nationally certified. Mr. Alcantra did not know. Co-Chair Hoffman noted the two fiscal notes attached to SB 83: one new fiscal impact note from the Department of Education and Early Development, and one new zero fiscal note from the Department of Education and Early Development. SB 83 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.