Welcome to the 2006-2007 school year! You can be justifiably proud of achieving National Board Certification. Now, Ohio’s policy makers need your expertise and counsel on the challenging public policy issue of educating high-needs students and closing the achievement gaps.

We invite you to join up to 600 of your colleagues at the Ohio NBCT Policy Summit scheduled for November 16, 2006, in Columbus. This unique event, hosted by an impressive coalition of state and national education organizations, will bring NBCTs from Ohio together to generate specific public policy recommendations to promote the success of all students and eliminate the disparities in achievement among demographic groups.

As accomplished teachers and leaders, you know what the research says: NBCTs are making a difference everyday with students from all kinds of backgrounds. Now, the Buckeye State needs to hear your voice on how to educate high-needs students to their potential.

At the Policy Summit, you and your NBCT colleagues will voice your expertise in facilitated discussions on specific issues. You will discuss how schools can put every student on the path to achieving education standards and becoming a productive citizen. Then, you will recommend specific solutions to a panel of policy makers – solutions that should create a culture of teacher and student success in every school. The results of the Summit will be published, and we will work together to urge state and local leaders to create policies that bring about real change for all students. Following the Summit, you and other participating NBCTs may join an online community, where you can continue discussing the issues of teaching quality, student achievement, and related professional concerns.

The 2006 Ohio NBCT Policy Summit is November 16, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio. Simply register online at www.OhioNBCTSummit.org beginning August 15. There is no set deadline for registration, but there are limited seats. So, sign up early to ensure your voice is heard.

If you are concerned about the cost of traveling to the Summit, you will be pleased with the following information:

• There is no registration fee.
• Each NBCT participant will receive partial reimbursement for travel and parking costs in the form of a gasoline card.
• NBCTs traveling more than 65 miles to the Summit may consider reserving a room at one of the Summit hotels listed on the registration website. There will be no room charge for NBCTs who are registered for the Summit and who meet the minimum mileage requirement.
• All meals, refreshment and materials during the summit will be provided without charge.

Additionally, you may present documentation of your participation in the Summit to your LPDC for licensure renewal, provided your IPDP has been approved for professional development content related to that addressed by the Summit.

The Ohio NBCT Summit will be a high-profile, history-making event for the teaching profession. You will be talking to key education policy makers and contributing to meaningful change. Please encourage your NBCT colleagues to participate. Ohio’s public school students need your expert and accomplished voices to be heard by policy makers.

Thanks for your interest. We look forward to seeing you in Columbus on November 16!

Sponsors of the Summit