Issue Description
Every year, the National Education Association (NEA) passes a resolution calling for mandated teacher certification for homeschool parents. The premier mechanism being used by the NEA and the American Federation of Teachers to promote teacher certification is the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Issue Background
The NBPTS began in 1987 as a private organization with the purpose of certifying master teachers in various subject areas for different age levels. The Board consists of 63 members. Key provisions of its bylaws require that a majority of the board be active teachers. Fourteen board members must be NEA/AFT leaders. Although In 1989, NBPTS claimed that public funding would not be necessary in a couple years because the organization would be self reliant via application fees, now nearly fifteen years later, the board still claims future self-reliance, yet it continues to accept government funds.

HSLDA opposes teacher certification and has been watching the NBPTS with a wary eye. For more background information on the NBPTS see the following HSLDA memos and other resources.