How does a teacher become National Board certified?
National Board certification is achieved by teachers who have created a unique portfolio of evidence from their own practice that aligns to a set of high professional standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The teacher submits the portfolio to the NBPTS where it is scored by highly-trained assessors who teach the same level and content as the candidate. Teachers whose portfolios are judged as demonstrating convincing evidence of accomplished teaching are granted National Board certification.
How do teachers learn about what they must demonstrate in the portfolio?
The NBPTS website allows teachers to look at the portfolio guidelines for their content area and level.
How much does it cost to apply for full National Board Certification?
The assessment fee is $2,500, which includes a nonrefundable fee of $500. In addition, there is a nonrefundable $65 processing charge due at the time of application.
What financial assistance is available to candidates?
Full or partial financial support is often available to help many candidates pay the assessment fee. In Wisconsin, partial financial support is available through the Candidate Subsidy Program. Made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the program provides funds to a number of candidates in each state to help offset the assessment fees.
How much do they subsidize the application fee?
Depending on the amount of NBPTS’ annual federal funding, the Board awards each state a credit to be applied toward new candidates’ application fees, up to a maximum of $1,250 per candidate. The amount of the subsidy is not determined until all candidates for the year have applied and Wisconsin receives notification of its total subsidy amount. Subsidies can then be awarded equitably among all applicants. Regardless of when you apply to the NBPTS, your completed subsidy application with your NBPTS Candidate Number included, must be submitted to DPI by December 15. No subsidy will be available to late applicants.
What is the process for first time candidates?
- Send forms and fees to NBPTS anytime between January 1 and December 31 of Year 1
- Develop portfolio entries and submit them to NBPTS by March 31 of Year 2
- Schedule your assessment center exercises by June 15 of Year 2
- Obtain your scores online by December 31 of Year 2
What happens if candidates do not achieve in Year One?
Candidates who do not achieve in year one continue with the process by retaking selected portions of their original entries through the NBPTS score banking and retake process.
What is the cost to retake an entry?
Candidates who choose to bank their scores and retake select entries and exercises do so at $350 each.
What is Take One!?
Take One! is a program that can be used by licensed teachers an an initial step in becoming a candidate for National Board Certification. A participant prepares and submits one pre-selected video-portfolio entry from any of the 25 certificate areas. Take One! candidates are able to apply their score if he/she continues to pursue full National Board Certification.
Who may attend the support sessions?
The support sessions are open to candidates for full NB certification, those who are working on Take One! entries, and advanced candidates.
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