The American Board is a state approved teacher certification non-profit that certifies career changers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals and out-of-field teachers. Founded in 2001 via a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the American Board's focus is building communities through education and employment. The American Board's program allows highly-knowledgeable individuals from within their community to earn certification without additional class time, student teaching or state exams. Through improving the accessibility and affordability of certification, schools now have the opportunity to hire highly-qualified teachers from within their community.