National Board Certification FAQ's
Go to http://www.nbpts.org/events/qabrochure.cfm for the
National Board’s "Questions and Answers About National Board
Certification" for a more extensive list of questions and
answers.
Q: What are the basic requirements to become a candidate for
National Board Certification?
National Board Certification is open to all teachers who hold a
baccalaureate degree and a valid teaching license (where required
by the state) and have a minimum of three years’ preK-12 classroom
experience in either a public or private school.
Q: What am I required to do as a candidate?
Teachers are required to create a portfolio of teaching
practice that includes student work samples, actual videotapes of
their teaching in the classroom and written reflections on their
own teaching practice. The National Board is very specific as to
what the focus of each portfolio entry will be. There is some
variation in the portfolio requirements depending on the
candidate’s area of certification. In addition, the candidates must
complete a three-hour written assessment that consists of a series
of computer-delivered prompts that probe the depth of their
subject-matter content knowledge. Candidates are required to
demonstrate their content and pedagogical knowledge across the full
range of the certificate they pursue.
The decision to become a candidate should not be taken lightly. The
certification process is challenging and time-consuming. From 300
to 400 hours is required within a one-year time frame. If you are
taking graduate courses to complete a degree, you may not have
sufficient time to complete the certification process.
To access the portfolio instructions and assessment center
instructions for the various certificates, go to http://www.nbpts.org/candidates/
Q; How long do I have to complete the certification process?
Candidates have one year in which to create and submit their
portfolio. The assessment center exercise may be taken any time
after the candidate has paid the complete registration fee of
$2,300 and must be completed by mid-June of the year following
their registration as a candidate.
Q: How much does it cost to be a candidate?
The cost is $2,300.
Q: Is financial assistance available?
At present there are federal and state funds available to pay
75% of this cost. The candidate/school/ district is responsible for
the $575 balance.
Read the Guide to National board Certification in order to
understand the calendar, eligibility requirements and policies.
Available online at http://www.nbpts.org/candidates/guide/
Decide which certificate to seek (listing of certificates is
included in the guide (see Step 1).
Apply and pay a $65.00 application fee. Do not pay the $300.00 that
is requested of you until you know whether or not you will receive
a federal/state subsidy.
Apply to DESE for a subsidy that will pay 75% of the assessment
fee. Go to
http://www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/leadership/nbc/application.html
for information and a state subsidy application form. Follow the
directions on the web site.
Teachers in the St. Louis Public Schools may be eligible to receive
funds from a special grant from the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.
The Fund will provide up to $575 of the candidate's assessment fee
if the teacher is in good standing with the Fund. You must have
taught at least one year in the St. Louis Public Schools to
qualify. Teachers who want to apply for these funds should download
the application form and follow the directions. Please do not
contact the Parsons blewett Fnd directly. If you have reached your
limit in the use of Parsons Blewett scholarship funds, you may
still apply for funds from this special grant.
Q;How do I obtain information to apply for the available federal
and state funds for the registration fee?
Go to
www.dese.state.mo.us/divteachqual/leadership/nbc/index.html
Q: What if I don’t succeed the first time?
Candidates not certified in the first year have up to two more
years in which to achieve certification. An additional $350 is
required for each entry retaken.
Q: What should I do if I am uncertain about becoming a candidate
at this time?
To help you decide if National Board Certification is for you,
pre-candidate courses are offered through the Regional Professional
Development Center. The pre-candidate course consists of ten
two-hour sessions that acquaint you with the standards and the
requirements for completing the portfolio and the assessment. You
are not required to take a pre-candidate course to become a
candidate, but it provides you with an in-depth orientation to the
requirements and benefits of the certification process.
Q: What support is available to candidates?
If you become a candidate, you have the option of joining a
support group with other candidates. National Board Teachers or
Board-trained teachers facilitate the work of these support groups.
For more information about support groups available at the St.
Louis RPDC, send an email query to Wayne Walker.
Q: What if I start the process and must withdraw?
You may withdraw as a candidate anytime prior to taking the
written assessment or before the portfolio deadline of March31,
2006, whichever comes first. If you follow the NBPTS guidelines for
withdrawing, all but $300 of your $2,300 assessment fee will be
refunded. You or your third party payer will receive a $275.00
refund.
Q: If I become a National Board teacher, will I qualify for a
financial incentive from my District?
Many districts in the region provide a financial incentive for
National Board teachers. The range is from $5,000 a year for ten
years or a one-time payment of $1,000. Check with your district
central office or Professional Development Chair to determine your
district’s policy.
