In 1998, Washington State had 51,512 classroom teachers, but only 29 of them were National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). By 2009, the number of NBCTs in Washington had grown to 3,975--5th in the nation in total numbers, and 2nd in the nation in new teachers certifying that year. The state's successful strategy for increasing the number of NBCTs year by year is a good story, but what happens after teachers achieve certification is an even better one. The Washington story is being played out every day through the work of the state's National Board Certified Teachers and the coalition that supports them. Throughout the state, National Board Certified Teachers are: (1) Leading from the classroom, improving student learning; (2) Stepping up to leadership on the state and national stage; (3) Serving in high-need schools; and (4) Working with policymakers to inform sound policy. Many of the lessons learned in Washington State are applicable to other states, as well. These are: (1) Leveraging the investment in NBCTs; (2) Involving teacher leaders in setting policies that affect them; (3) Uniting on goals and outcomes for maximum impact; (4) Dividing the work to make things happen; (5) Sharing responsibility for monitoring challenges and opportunities; (6) Being vigilant with a policy agenda that supports National Board Certification; (7) Providing a variety of opportunities for teachers so they can find their own paths to grow from NBCT to accomplished teacher leader; and (8) Keeping NBCTs connected. (Contains 4 endnotes.)