National Board Certification: Why Every Teaching Professional Is After It?

The profession of teaching is based on the zeal for a continuous learning. When it comes to professional development opportunities in the field of teaching, there is a mixed bag. Out of these, the most rewarding, and progressive is, applying for the National board teacher certification (NBTC). 

The performance centric post-standardization era has sky-rocketed the overall expectations from teachers all over. But ironically there are not enough trustworthy barometers that exist for an evaluation of a teacher’s performance. National Board Certification belongs to few of those barometers as it provides a solid framework for evaluating teachers. As good things never come easy, NBTC is acquired by the teachers through a rigorous process that includes expert evaluation, self-assessment, and peer reviews.

The process takes into consideration the five characteristics of accomplished teachers listed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The validation of NBC expires after ten years. Teachers interested in renewal must begin the process during the eighth or ninth year of teaching. 

The process and benefits behind National Board Certification 

Fifteen years back, the process was rather tedious and involved a six portfolio entries, a reading list, and a long-winded test. Since then, the process has been reshaping itself and has finally come down to ten assessments the are scrutinized under the aegis of trained teachers, four portfolio entries, and six constructed response exercises that assess content knowledge.

Applicants need to choose a subject and development area in order to receive the portfolio requirements for the particular certificate. For example, the English Language Arts (ELA) certificate requires four portfolio entries that includes analyzing the quality of students’ writing skills, instructional analysis of Whole-Class and Small Groups that requires a submission of a 15 minute video from the applicant, and documented accomplishments which demonstrates the applicant's partnerships with students' families and community, and with other professionals.

Taking about the benefits of certification, there are many. First and foremost, it enriches the practice of teaching, diverts students towards the course of success, and serves as a definite proof of leadership skills. Also, as many states consider National Board Certification as an equivalent of state licensure, it facilitates a hassle free shifting of teachers from state to state. Teachers become eligible for receiving continuous credits for pursuing higher education. Some schools also provide fee reimbursement and an additional $3,000 for NBC status.