The Arizona K12 Center takes great pride in supporting teachers seeking National Board Certification. We provide the tools and resources to support a candidate on the journey towards Certification. While the work and effort belongs to the teacher, it is work that need not be done in isolation. Rather we provide numerous opportunities for teachers to work alongside others on the same journey. Below is a short summary of the different types of support we provide to interested teachers.
Pre-Candidacy Class
The decision to pursue National Board Certification needs to be an informed one. The Arizona K12 Center offers a Pre-Candidacy class that introduces participants to the National Board Standards and the process of National Board Certification. In this class, participants take stock of their own teaching practices and the results achieved in their classroom. This class is offered online and face-to-face. It is a prerequisite for teachers receiving a scholarship from Arizona’s Master Teacher Program through the Arizona K12 Center.
National Board Summer Institute
This four-day institute is for teachers who are seeking National Board Certification. Working with our NBCT Faculty, participants delve deeply into the standards to gain a deeper understanding of the process while being provided the opportunity to work with other teachers pursuing the same certificate. Participants walk through the entries to plan and organize their portfolio while learning first-hand some of the pitfalls to avoid. Any person seeking National Board Certification should plan on attending this informative and engaging Institute. Attendance at the National Board Summer Institute is a requirement to be considered for a full scholarship to pursue National Board Certification.
View National Board Summer Institute Event
On-going Cohort Facilitation
Each candidate is placed in a cohort of teachers seeking National Board Certification. These cohorts are typically based on the location of the school district where the candidate works. Cohorts meet face-to-face and/or online with a Candidate Support Provider at least once a month for two hours. The dates and times of the meetings are set by the individual Candidate Support Providers. While these meetings meet a minimum of once a month, more often than not, the amount of time increases as the deadline approaches.
National Board Coaching Saturdays
Using the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching, Coaching Saturdays are designed to help guide a teacher through a portfolio entry of the National Board Process. It is a time to get support from NBCTs trained in Cognitive Coaching℠ as well as other candidates making this same journey. Purposefully left unstructured, Coaching Saturdays are designed to provide participants an atmosphere away from the distractions of home and school to work solo, one-on-one, and in small groups. Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups with a facilitator as they coach candidates through their portfolio entries. These days are designed to provide a supportive and engaging atmosphere where the participant will leave with a true sense of accomplishment.
View National Board Coaching Saturdays Phoenix
View National Board Coaching Saturdays Tucson
National Board Coaching Saturdays, PLUS
Coaching Saturdays, PLUS are just like the name suggests…they are our Coaching Saturdays enhanced with technical support. On these particular days, we have experts on-site available to coach candidates through the selection of the featured video segments and staff to assist in burning their DVD.
View National Board Coaching Saturdays, PLUS Event
National Board Workshop
The National Board Workshop is designed for teachers seeking National Board Certification to spend time with other candidates and trained coaches to guide them through their portfolio entries. Candidates work in small groups with a trained facilitator who will coach them through their work and different entries. To maximize this time, participants should have a substantial amount of work started including the acquisition of video footage and student work samples. For those that are interested, we have a team of technical experts who can assist in the creation and burning of a DVD to submit with their entry. The focused candidate can walk away with both DVDs burned and ready to submit.
View National Board Workshop Event Jan 11-13
View National Board Workshop Event Jan 25-27
National Board Assessment Center Prep
Our daylong National Board Assessment Center activities are designed to help candidates prepare for the last leg of their journey…the Assessment Center. Candidates have the opportunity to work in certificate-like groups preparing for the Assessment Center. In addition, we will have a mock exercise in our hands-on computer lab as well as provide candidates the opportunity to go through the online tutorial.
Teachers are invited from throughout Arizona to gather together to address a particular topic that is essential to certification success. Candidates receive guidance and encouragement for moving forward in their application process. Meetings are held throughout the year. For those that receive a scholarship from the Arizona K12 Center, attendance is required at the National Board Summer Institute and also in monthly small group meetings held throughout the year.
View National Board Assessment Center Prep Event
Click here for a list of all the current Arizona K12 Events.
