Alaska must do everything we can to improve the outcomes of our K-12 education system. I am thankful Alaska took a large step forward with the passage of House Bill 230 into law on Aug. 26. This bill includes the language from my bill Senate Bill 215 that incentivizes teachers to seek the most rigorous and effective professional development they can. Through this new law, additional pay is now available for teachers to achieve National Board certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Teachers achieving National Board Certification improves student learning and will result in better outcomes for Alaska’s students. Multiple studies have proven that the students of board-certified teachers learn more. The positive impact of board-certified teachers is even greater for low-income students.

Incentivization of National Board Certification will result in better outcomes for the students in school districts who maximize their participation with the NBPTS. The certification process empowers teachers to take personal responsibility over their professional development. Teachers seeking certification learn individualized skills and teaching tactics that relate directly to their content area and the grade level that they teach.

I want to thank Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Commissioner Deena Bishop for their support of this significant and valuable legislation, as well as my fellow legislators including the Republican majority coalition in the House who supported this bill. It is now up to school districts to include National Board Certification as a professional development opportunity. To take maximum effect, incentives for board certification must be included in collective bargaining agreements and teachers must be given time and support to achieve board certification and gain the additional knowledge and skills that will directly benefit their students’ outcomes.

Sen. Jesse J. Bjorkman represents Senate District D on the Kenai Peninsula.