CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman City Schools ranks second among Alabama public school systems in the percentage of teachers holding National Board Certification, according to a 2025 ranking shared by the district.
Piedmont City Schools ranked first, followed by Cullman City Schools and Homewood City Schools.
The ranking measures the percentage of a school system’s teachers who hold the voluntary advanced credential, rather than the total number employed by each system. The graphic shared by the district does not state Cullman’s current percentage, number of active National Board Certified Teachers or total number of teachers used in the calculation.
Cullman City Schools serves more than 3,100 students.
“National Board Certification represents a significant commitment to professional growth and instructional excellence,” the district said. “The dedication of our teachers to becoming and remaining National Board Certified reflects the culture we strive to build at Cullman City Schools: professionalism, collaboration, continuous improvement and an unwavering commitment to our students.”
The 10 Alabama school systems listed in the ranking are:
- Piedmont City Schools
- Cullman City Schools
- Homewood City Schools
- Leeds City Schools
- Mountain Brook City Schools
- Muscle Shoals City Schools
- Madison City Schools
- Gulf Shores City Schools
- Vestavia Hills City Schools
- Hoover City Schools
Cullman previously surpassed 20%
The recognition continues a distinction Cullman City Schools received several years ago.
In 2021, the district reported that more than 20% of its teachers held National Board Certification. Cullman was one of four Alabama systems and fewer than 50 systems nationwide at the time with more than one-fifth of its teachers holding the credential.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards also recognized Cullman as a National Board Accomplished District.
The current announcement does not indicate whether Cullman’s percentage has increased or decreased since 2021.
What certification requires
National Board Certification is an advanced professional credential available to teachers and school counselors. It is separate from the state certification required to work as an educator.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers certification in 25 areas. Candidates must complete four components designed to evaluate:
- Content knowledge
- Differentiation in instruction
- Teaching practices and the classroom learning environment
- Effectiveness, reflection, assessment and collaboration
The process includes a computer-based assessment, student work samples, written analysis and video recordings of classroom instruction.
Teachers must later complete a maintenance process to keep the credential active.
Cullman City Schools said the certification process benefits students by encouraging teachers to examine their instructional practices, respond to individual learning needs and continue developing professionally.
Alabama ranks seventh nationally
The Alabama State Department of Education reports that the state has 3,116 National Board Certified Teachers and ranks seventh nationally.
The 2025 ranking graphic also lists Alabama as:
- Seventh in the number of active National Board Certified Teachers
- Seventh in the percentage of active National Board Certified Teachers
- Fifth in newly certified teachers
- Sixth in teachers who maintained their certification
- Sixth in the number of certification candidates during 2023-2024
- 11th in the total number of teachers ever certified
Alabama provides a $5,000 annual base salary supplement to qualifying National Board Certified Teachers employed in public K-12 schools.
Certain classroom teachers working in designated schools and holding certifications in specified subject areas may qualify for an additional $5,000 targeted supplement.
The state has also offered financial assistance to teachers pursuing the credential.
Cullman City Schools said its placement reflects both the work of its teachers and the district’s emphasis on professional development.
“Our teachers are not only impacting the lives of 3,100-plus Cullman City students; they are helping raise the standard for public education across Alabama and our nation,” the district said.
