March 20, 2026
Two Districts Named 2026 Arizona National Board Districts of Distinction
The Arizona K12 Center is proud to recognize Chandler Unified School District and Scottsdale Unified School District as this year's Arizona National Board Districts of Distinction for their comprehensive support of National Board Certification.
For 17 years, the Arizona K12 Center has recognized individual educators who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification. The Center has also begun to honor Arizona school systems that have embraced the power of this rigorous certification process. Developing a National Board program in a school or system can embed a culture of educator professional growth and reflection.
As Executive Director Daniela Robles, NBCT, shared, "As the number of NBCTs has grown, we have seen the number of learning communities around this work grow. While we applaud the incredible individual effort of every NBCT in this room and in this state, it is school-wide, district-wide, and community-wide change that can come from embracing your leadership as a National Board Certified Teacher. It usually takes years to become an NBCT, but certification is not the culmination of this work. It is the launchpad. Now is when you understand yourself as a professional, an expert in your field, and do what you can to empower other educators in your space."
Arizona school systems are named a National Board District of Distinction for their comprehensive support of National Board Certification. This year, the Arizona K12 Center chose to award two districts, Scottsdale Unified with the highest number of active National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) at 79, and Chandler Unified with the highest number of current NBCT candidates at 41, including 17 new candidates.
Take a look at Chandler Unified School District’s National Board program in this video:
The Arizona K12 Center unveiled the Districts of Distinction at its 17th Annual Celebration of Accomplished Teaching, Saturday, March 14. Litchfield Elementary School District, who received the first Arizona National Board District of Distinction recognition last year, also shared an update about how it continues to elevate National Board in its district. This includes the development of an NBCT Teaching and Learning Guiding Coalition.
"Once teachers earn their National Board Certification," explained Dr. Jennifer Benjamin, Litchfield Elementary's assistant superintendent of programs and instruction, "they are invited to participate in this coalition, which brings together accomplished educators to help lead and guide instructional work across our district. They collaborate with district and campus leaders to strengthen practices within our Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 systems of support."
The NBCT Guiding Coalition is also involved in Litchfield's mentor support, professional development, and data analysis to help determine guidance for students and staff's next steps.
"In Litchfield, we see National Board Certification not simply as an individual accomplishment, but as part of a larger culture of learning," said Litchfield Superintendent Dr. Carter Davidson. "Our district is committed to supporting staff who challenge themselves to grow through reflection and collaboration with colleagues, while giving students the very best instruction possible."
National Board Certification is the highest certificate an educator can achieve in the United States. The certification process enhances teaching practice, ultimately better supporting Arizona’s students.
Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Board Certification is a rigorous and reflective process that requires teachers to demonstrate the National Board Standards in their practice. Teachers often take three to five years of continual work to achieve certification.
In Arizona, the Arizona K12 Center is the home for support and resources for teachers seeking National Board Certification. Altogether, Arizona has had more than 1,900 educators become NBCTs.
Learn more about National Board Certification at azk12.org/national-board-certification
For 17 years, the Arizona K12 Center has recognized individual educators who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification. The Center has also begun to honor Arizona school systems that have embraced the power of this rigorous certification process. Developing a National Board program in a school or system can embed a culture of educator professional growth and reflection.
As Executive Director Daniela Robles, NBCT, shared, "As the number of NBCTs has grown, we have seen the number of learning communities around this work grow. While we applaud the incredible individual effort of every NBCT in this room and in this state, it is school-wide, district-wide, and community-wide change that can come from embracing your leadership as a National Board Certified Teacher. It usually takes years to become an NBCT, but certification is not the culmination of this work. It is the launchpad. Now is when you understand yourself as a professional, an expert in your field, and do what you can to empower other educators in your space."
Arizona school systems are named a National Board District of Distinction for their comprehensive support of National Board Certification. This year, the Arizona K12 Center chose to award two districts, Scottsdale Unified with the highest number of active National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) at 79, and Chandler Unified with the highest number of current NBCT candidates at 41, including 17 new candidates.
Take a look at Chandler Unified School District’s National Board program in this video:
Take a look at Scottsdale Unified School District’s National Board program in this video:
The Arizona K12 Center unveiled the Districts of Distinction at its 17th Annual Celebration of Accomplished Teaching, Saturday, March 14. Litchfield Elementary School District, who received the first Arizona National Board District of Distinction recognition last year, also shared an update about how it continues to elevate National Board in its district. This includes the development of an NBCT Teaching and Learning Guiding Coalition.
"Once teachers earn their National Board Certification," explained Dr. Jennifer Benjamin, Litchfield Elementary's assistant superintendent of programs and instruction, "they are invited to participate in this coalition, which brings together accomplished educators to help lead and guide instructional work across our district. They collaborate with district and campus leaders to strengthen practices within our Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 systems of support."
The NBCT Guiding Coalition is also involved in Litchfield's mentor support, professional development, and data analysis to help determine guidance for students and staff's next steps.
"In Litchfield, we see National Board Certification not simply as an individual accomplishment, but as part of a larger culture of learning," said Litchfield Superintendent Dr. Carter Davidson. "Our district is committed to supporting staff who challenge themselves to grow through reflection and collaboration with colleagues, while giving students the very best instruction possible."
National Board Certification is the highest certificate an educator can achieve in the United States. The certification process enhances teaching practice, ultimately better supporting Arizona’s students.
Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Board Certification is a rigorous and reflective process that requires teachers to demonstrate the National Board Standards in their practice. Teachers often take three to five years of continual work to achieve certification.
In Arizona, the Arizona K12 Center is the home for support and resources for teachers seeking National Board Certification. Altogether, Arizona has had more than 1,900 educators become NBCTs.
Learn more about National Board Certification at azk12.org/national-board-certification
