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SUSD Leads the Way, Named National Board District of Distinction

SUSD Leads the Way, Named National Board District of Distinction

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is setting the bar for educational excellence once again, earning designation as a National Board District of Distinction by the Arizona K12 Center.

This prestigious honor recognizes districts that go above and beyond in supporting teachers through the rigorous National Board Certification process and SUSD stands at the top. With 79 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), the district currently has the highest number in the state of Arizona, a powerful reflection of its commitment to both educator growth and student success.

National Board Certification is considered the gold standard in teaching. It’s a voluntary, intensive process that asks educators to take a deep dive into their craft, analyzing their practice, refining their approach, and demonstrating impact at the highest level. Only a small percentage of teachers nationwide pursue it, and even fewer earn the distinction.

“The National Board Certified Program in Scottsdale Unified has been strong for so long,” said Susan Leonard, Lead NBCT for SUSD and facilitator for National Board Candidates for the Arizona K12 Center.  “We have the most NBCTs in any district in the state of Arizona right now, which is something that we’re very proud of.”

That pride is backed by a district culture that doesn’t just encourage excellence, it invests in it. From mentorship to ongoing support, SUSD has built a system where teachers are empowered to grow, collaborate, and lead.

“As a district, we have been a supportive organization for a long time, and to have so many National Board Certified teachers really allows SUSD to stand out,” said Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel. “Families can feel confident sending their students to receive high-quality instruction from some of the very best teachers in the profession.”

The District of Distinction recognition isn’t just about numbers, it’s about impact. It represents a district where exceptional teaching is the norm, innovation is encouraged, and students benefit every day from educators who are among the best in the nation.

With this honor, Scottsdale Unified continues to shine as a leader in public education, proving that when you invest in teachers, everything else follows.

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#ChooseSUSD
With nearly 20,000 students in all schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for almost 130 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.