National Board Mourns the Passing of Former North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt Jr.

ARLINGTON, VA - The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board) honors the life and legacy of former North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt Jr., a visionary leader whose commitment to education transformed the teaching profession and expanded opportunity for millions of students nationwide.

Governor Hunt was instrumental in founding the National Board and served as its first Board Chair for ten years, championing the audacious idea that accomplished teaching matters. His leadership established National Board Certification as the profession's most respected, rigorous standard for what teachers should know and be able to do to support all students. His belief in teachers as agents of change reshaped the national conversation about educational excellence and equity.

"Governor Jim Hunt understood something fundamental: that investing in teachers is investing in students and in our collective future," said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, President and CEO of the National Board. "His unwavering belief in the power of accomplished teaching laid the foundation for a movement that continues to elevate the profession."

Dr. Travis Bristol, Board Chair of the National Board, added: "Governor Hunt's leadership reminds us that bold, values-driven policymaking can elevate an entire profession. He believed deeply in teachers' expertise and in the responsibility we share to ensure every student, no matter their background or zip code, has access to excellent teaching."

Governor Hunt often said, "Nothing matters more to the future of our state than the quality of education we provide our children." He lived this conviction by bringing together educators, policymakers, business leaders, and communities to strengthen teaching and learning.

Dr. James A. Kelly, founding president of the National Board, reflected: "Governor Hunt stood tall as a legend in his own time, courageously and relentlessly advancing the importance of teaching expertise and National Board Certification.

In public and behind the scenes, among fellow governors, corporate CEO's, and with the President of the United States, his leadership was transformational for teachers, teaching, and National Board Certification."

The National Board extends its deepest condolences to Governor Hunt's family, friends, and the countless educators and students whose lives he touched. His legacy lives on in every National Board Certified Teacher and in every student whose life has been changed by exceptional teaching.

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About the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is the nation's highest credential in teaching. National Board Certification was created by teachers, for teachers, and is backed by decades of research showing that National Board Certified Teachers have a greater impact on student learning and school improvement. Learn more at nbpts.org.