National Board Certification

National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program designed to identify highly accomplished teachers and school counselors who meet the high and rigorous standards of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for what teachers should know and be able to do. National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential. It complements, but does not replace, a state's teacher license. It is valid for 10 years, after which National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) can seek certification renewal.

To pursue National Board Certification a teacher must hold a baccalaureate degree and have three years of teaching experience in early childhood, elementary, middle or secondary schools prior to submitting an application. In addition, a teacher must hold a valid teaching license.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers 24 certificates that cover a variety of subject areas and student developmental levels. These certificates cover 95% of preK-12 teachers. As teachers pursue National Board Certification they will be required to complete a portfolio comprised of four sections:

  • Analysis and reflection of video recordings of classroom teaching practice (two portfolio entries)
  • Analysis of and reflection on student work with samples (one portfolio entry)
  • Documented accomplishments of work outside the classroom and evidence of how that work impacts student learning (one portfolio entry)

In addition, candidates will be required to complete an online assessment that demonstrates subject-matter expertise. For more information about National Board Certification, visit www.nbpts.org.

Through the Governor's Master Teacher Program, funding is available for a limited number of scholarships for teachers to pursue National Board Certification. Teachers have three ways to qualify for this funding. They are as follows:

  • Teach in a Title I school
  • Teach middle or high school mathematics, science, technology, or special ed
  • Teach at a school that meets two of the following criteria:
    • Poverty level of 50% or higher (free and reduced lunch)
    • 20% of the faculty has two or less full years of teaching experience at your school
    • 15% or higher teacher turnover over the last three years at your school
    • any middle or high school
    • Underperforming

Teachers who are interested in pursuing this scholarship opportunity must complete a National Board Pre-candidacy class prior to the scholarship being awarded. These classes are typically offered free of charge in school districts throughout the state as well as ASSET and the Arizona K-12 Center. Upon completion of a Pre-candidacy class a teacher is eligible to apply for the scholarship. All scholarships are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Any teacher who pursues National Board Certification does not do it in isolation. Candidate support is provided through a partnership with the Arizona Education Association, Arizona K-12 Center, and Arizona State University. Teachers pursuing National Board Certification are invited to participate in small and large groups where coaching is provided by NBCTs trained in Cognitive Coaching. The professional relationships you will establish as you pursue National Board Certification will last a lifetime.

For more information about National Board Certification contact us.