Brenda Loyd (pictured, right), a board certified teacher at Park Forest Elementary School, presented U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (left) of Louisiana with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ (NBPTS) Friend of NBPTS Award July 26 prior to the NBPTS Conference in Washington, D.C. 

Laundrieu was honored for her work in advancing teaching excellence and education reform throughout the country.  The award is given to policymakers who have promoted high standards for teaching and learning and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting the growth of board certification. 

“Top performing education systems throughout the world invest heavily in recruiting, developing and supporting teachers, which is why I am pleased to support board certification,” said Landrieu. “National Board programs are important in our nation’s efforts to strengthen teaching effectiveness and student learning.”

Laundrieu received her award following the conclusion of the organization’s Hill Day, a daylong visit to Capitol Hill by dozens of board certified teachers who provided first-hand perspectives to members of Congress and staff on the positive effect board certification has on students and schools.  For more information, visit www.nbpts.org/conference.