News Release
at The Chicago Public Education Fund
Susan Woodward, Director of Development & Communications
(312) 558-4516

March 24, 2006

The Fund's president receives national award honoring her work in support of NBC
NBPTS awards Knupp for contributions to teaching profession

CHICAGO—At an event featuring more than 1,000 teachers, principals, and corporate and civic leaders, The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in Arlington, Va., awarded The Chicago Public Education Fund's president, Janet Knupp, with its prestigious Friend of the NBPTS Award Wednesday.

Knupp was honored for her outstanding contributions to the teaching profession in Chicago during The Fund's annual National Board Certification Teacher Celebration with Mayor Richard M. Daley. The award is presented to policy leaders and educators who have promoted high standards for teaching and learning, and have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting the growth of National Board Certification (NBC) for America's teachers. The award's past recipients included U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio) and Steny Hoyer (R-Md).

"Janet has been a real catalyst for National Board Certification in Chicago and throughout the state," NBPTS President and CEO Joseph A. Aguerrebere said. "She has been the driving force behind the collaborative work underway with Mayor Daley's office, the Chicago Teacher's Union, the Chicago Public Schools and the business community. Without Janet's extraordinary leadership, National Board Certification would not be the priority it is today in Chicago."

As president of The Fund, Knupp has worked with CPS and union leadership to develop a citywide strategy for identifying, supporting and compensating master teachers based on NBC. To date, The Fund has allocated more than $6 million toward support for NBC - the highest credential in the teaching profession.

"The most important thing we can offer our students is a high-quality teacher in front of their classrooms," Knupp said. "It is an honor to receive this award and The Fund is proud to support National Board Certification throughout Chicago. Together, we will ensure that every child has the opportunity for a great education."

At Wednesday's event, 92 CPS teachers were honored for their achievement of NBC in 2005, bringing the total number of teachers in the district to have earned the certification to date to 474. The Fund and CPS maintain a shared goal of 1,200 CPS teachers who have achieved NBC by 2008.

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As a venture capital fund for public education, The Chicago Public Education Fund is an unprecedented catalyst for improving school leadership and student achievement system wide. Launched by a group of corporate and civic leaders, The Fund brings private sector dollars and expertise to high-impact programs aligned with Chicago Public Schools priorities. Find out more at www.cpef.org.

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