How To Become A National Board Certified Teacher

Many professions have national certifications that their members can achieve. Engineers, architects and others can achieve certification status regardless of where they live or work. This achievement means they are among the best in their industry. Although education is dominated by state by state certification standards, there is one national certification teachers can achieve. It is called the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Although not easy, becoming NBPTS certified will make you a more reflective, accomplished teacher.

The first step is to go to the National Board web site at www.nbpts.org. The site has a tremendous amount of information based on the grade level and subject you are interested in getting certified. My certification area was Adolescent and Young Adult Social Studies, which applies to students 14years to over 18, and covers the content areas of U.S. History, World History, Economics, Geography and Political Science.

After looking at which certification best meets your level and subject area consider how ready you are to take on this challenge. You should only go through this process if you have taught the classes you will use for a few years. A brand new prep is hard enough, let alone trying to match it up with the requirements of the certification. You must also keep in mind the additional work time that will be required. NBPTS gives an average of time spent by candidates working on their portfolios, but that is going to vary. They do provide a time line of steps over the course of the year that is very helpful in pacing yourself. Needless to say, it takes many additional hours per week on top of my regular class work.

My district provided a support group run by a middle school teacher who was already National Board Certified and we met once a month through out the school year. The group really helped with my timing, organization and editing. If your district has something similar I would advise you to take advantage of it.

The next thing to consider before getting started is the financing of the process. The initial cost of registering is about $350, after that it costs about $2,000. If you start early most states have scholarships that can help defray the cost. The national government also has some scholarships available. The state paid for $1,000 and the federal government paid the other $1,000 when I applied so all I paid was the initial $350.

Once you have begun the process make sure you read every thing and know exactly what you are expected to do. You will be planning lessons around the requirements so it helps to know ahead of time where in the year you want things to fit. You will also be required to film your class at least once. Try a practice run or two to get the students used to the camera and make sure the sound is okay.

When you are writing your portfolio analysis and reflections make sure you are answering the questions that are being asked. Do not get off the topic. NBPTS has word limits for all entries and want you to address very specific things about your teaching and your class. Stay focused on what they give you.

In addition to the portfolio, which is extensive, that must be submitted by the end of March, there is a test of content knowledge required that must be completed by mid to late June. Mine was six, thirty minute essays covering each of the six required fields. It was harder than I expected. There are sample questions given in your materials, but at least for social studies, they were much easier than the actual test questions. The test is difficult to study for because the questions can be on anything in six different content areas. I was lucky because I had taught all six of those classes.

One of the major elements that a lot of teachers have a hard time with is the interaction with parents and the community that is required. Your work in the classroom is not enough to earn you the certification. One of the required elements is that you demonstrate frequent interaction with the student's parents. A log of contacts needs to be kept as well as any kind of letters or emails you send. The NBPTS wants to see that you involve the family in your classes.

There is also an outside of school requirement. How your classes are active with the community around the school is important. One of my classes went to a nearby elementary school and read with first graders once a week. If you do not already do some kind of community project start thinking of one.

I know the process sounds daunting, and it feels like it some times, but I definitely think I am a better teacher because of it. The reflection required is something all good teachers should do frequently. I got a much more complete sense of my strengths and weaknesses after going through the process.

If you do succeed in becoming National Board Certified it is a rewarding feeling. There is a definite sense of accomplishment and pride. Hopefully there is also some kind of bonus provided by your district or state as well. Give it a shot. Good luck. You will be better at what you do because of it.