The ASPIRE! Program is unique in that it provides opportunity for teachers yet to earn National Board Certification and for teachers who are currently certified.

Participants in the ASPIRE! Program receive:

• personalized professional development beginning in pre-candidacy lasting throughout the application process.
• access to multiple in-service courses focused on the National Board Standards, entry expectations, and best practices for teaching and learning.
• membership in an ASPIRE! cohort and an online learning community.
• support from multiple Candidate Support Providers.

Current Nationally Board Certified Teachers participating in ASPIRE! gain:

• professional learning opportunities via in-service courses focused on further developing knowledge of best practices for instruction, collegial support, and leadership skills.
• opportunity to participate in various Candidate Support Provider roles.
• membership in the ASPIRE! Candidate Support Provider Cadre.
• an expanded professional network.

In 2015, Hillsborough County was ranked seventh in the nation for the number of National Board Certified Teachers. However, the number of certified teachers in our district has diminished in recent years due to retirements, attrition, and fewer teachers applying.

Data from our district evidences that Nationally Board Certified Teachers leverage better student achievement.

Collaboration between Hillsborough County National Board Certified Teachers, the NBCT Advisory Board to the Superintendent, the Center for Technology and Education, the Hillsborough National Board Certified Teacher Council, the Hillsborough Education Foundation, and the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association has resulted in a commitment to grow the number of Nationally Board Certified teachers in Hillsborough County Public Schools through structured nurturing of our teachers.