Last week the Selma City School System held a special reception to honor National Board certified teachers. Seven teachers in the Selma City System are NBC certified, which is a certification earned by going beyond the state license.

NBC is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that shows a teacher’s dedication to his or her profession. The National Education Association says on its website that teachers with NBC say it has had a positive impact on their classroom practices and a growing amount of research backs that students do well in a classroom with a teacher that is certified through the National Board.

It’s great that the Selma City System and superintendent Angela Mangum took time to recognize that teachers that have earned the extra certification.

Not only does that encourage other teachers to take that step, but it also shows the school system appreciates the work they’ve done outside of the classroom.

Our local schools are often negatively portrayed based on statistics or events that have happened in the past, but there are many teachers, administrators and other faculty members who are working hard to ensure our students get the best education possible.

That’s why it’s important that the Selma City System took time to recognize these instructors, who have gone beyond what is required.