According to a new program by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the Oxford School District is one of the top 81 districts in the nation.

The program, called the National Board Accomplished Districts program, recognizes school districts across the country that work hard to promote student learning through accomplished teaching. The 81 districts which will be initially honored by the program have at least 20 percent of its teacher corps with National Board certification.

Ten states make up the top 81 school districts, including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington. Oxford and Pontotoc’s districts were the only two in Mississippi with at least the required 20-percent threshold.

“In Oxford School District, we are proud to be among the top districts nationwide being recognized as National Board Accomplished Districts,” said Kathy Howington, assistant curriculum director with OSD.

Oxford currently has 66 National Board Certified Teachers and Administrators. Next week, the district will begin a local cohort with 32 teachers who are interested in pursuing their National Board certification.

Alabama’s Piedmont City School District, Illinois’ Nashville Community High School District and Washington’s Bellevue School District earned the highest marks, with more than 40 percent of their teachers being certified.

“High quality teaching is the most important in-school factor impacting student learning,” said Peggy Brookins, CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and a National Board Certified Teacher. “The districts that measured up to be included in the National Board Accomplished District program understand the value of accomplished teaching and support teachers to be their best.”

Districts will be recognized with an award for the district office and unique celebrations for the NBCTs in those districts.