Members of the Creative Cities Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Huntsville Committee of 100, were joined by representatives of The Schools Foundation to present a check for $25,000 to Huntsville City Schools. Funds will be used to support more than 25 additional candidates from Huntsville City Schools in the process of becoming National Board-Certified Teachers (NBCTs).
The $25,000 was collected through the Raise Your Hand Campaign, an initiative started by the Creative Cities Fund to financially support teachers through the rigorous NBCT certification process.
John Allen, CEO of the Huntsville Committee of 100, called the funds a “down payment” towards the ongoing goal of ensuring that the three school systems in Madison County have highest density of NBCTs in the country. Ultimately, it is just the first step in a planned five-year campaign to raise $1 million dollars.
The end goal of the campaign is to raise the number of Nationally Board-Certified Teachers in each Madison County system to 27% overall.
“This check signifies more than just one organization, more than just one individual,” said The Schools Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Fleming. “It signifies a committed community to what is happening in our classrooms and, most importantly, our teachers.”
Huntsville City Schools in particular utilizes a strategic plan which outlines goals for rigorous and high-quality professional development for teachers across the district. During the check presentation, HCS Superintendent Christie Finley stated that “the National Board Certification process actually meets that goal.”
Earning NBCT recognition involves one to three years of reflection, practice, and demonstration of content knowledge and practical classroom experience. “National Board Certification is a big deal, because it’s the pinnacle of certification for our teachers,” said HCS Talent Management Director Lee Simmons.
To date, Huntsville City Schools has 53 teachers who have completed National Board Certification, with another 42 currently in the process of working towards NBCT status.