The Washington State Legislature is considering a bill to freeze or cut stipends for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT), a move that would directly harm our public schools and students.

NBCTs have earned the most rigorous credential in the teaching profession.

These educators spend hundreds of hours reflecting on and improving their instruction.

Their work leads to better outcomes for students, especially in rural and underfunded districts across Washington.

Cutting this stipend sends the wrong message. It tells accomplished teachers their expertise isn’t valued.

It discourages others from pursuing excellence.

It undermines recruitment and retention in high-need areas, exactly where we need strong educators most.

In Clallam County, school districts are already facing budget crises that make it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain highly qualified educators.

Stripping away this modest but meaningful stipend will make it even harder to keep great teachers in our classrooms and our communities.

To our legislators: please vote no on any proposal to freeze or reduce NBCT stipends.

And to our community: speak up. Contact your representatives and tell them we must invest in teachers, not devalue them.

Our students deserve accomplished, experienced educators. Let’s make sure they keep them.

Jon Hamilton

Port Angeles