National Board Certification

All across the country, teachers like you are embracing the opportunity to examine their practice against the profession’s highest standards – the National Board Certification. So how does one become a teacher with a National Board Certification? What are the benefits? What are the eligibility requirements? You can find the answers to these questions right here.

Benefits

The National Board Certification is more than just adding a set of initials after your name. You are a teacher. While everyone else is talking about what the students need, you are making it happen. Therefore, you deserve all the benefits that comes with a National Board Certification.

* Recognition of Achievements. Note that it says “achievements” because the National Board Certification recognizes more than just your achievement but your students as well. After all, the best expression of a teacher’s competence is the students.

* Teaching Strategies are Strengthened. You know why you do things in the classroom. But the effect is different when you have to put these reasons on paper for other people to understand. The National Board Certification accomplishes what only self-reflection can – allow you to see your work from the eyes of another.

* Credibility in the Teaching Profession. Passing the National Board Certification, besides giving you a sense of personal satisfaction, helps build self-esteem. The more confident you are with your skills, the more confidence you exude as you practice your profession.

* High Standards. The National Board Certification represents the profession’s highest standards.


Eligibility

Prior to applying for a National Board Certification, you must meet the following requirements:

* Bachelor’s degree
* Teaching or counseling experience of not less than three years
* Valid state teaching or counseling license for the above period of time (If teaching in state where a license is not required, then you must have taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the state).

The Assessment Process

The first step in the National Board Certification assessment process is a demonstration of your teaching practice. You will be required to submit four portfolio entries, three of which will be classroom-based with video recordings and examples of student work serve as your supporting documentation. The fourth entry relates to your accomplishments outside the classroom.

In addition, you will also have to demonstrate your content knowledge. The board will develop six exercises specific to your chosen certificate area for that purpose. Time allotment for completion of each exercise is only 30 minutes. There are over 300 computer-based testing centers across the United States that administer the assessment process.

Once you have submitted your portfolio entries and completed your assessment, you will be scored by no less than 12 teachers. These teachers have successfully completed intensive training and have been qualified for scoring based on their understanding of National Board Certification standards and guidelines.