National Board Certification is a demonstration of teaching practice as measured against rigorous standards. It is a symbol of commitment to excellence in teaching. Novice teachers obtain teacher licenses to indicate they are eligible to teach. Accomplished teachers obtain National Board Certification to document that they are accomplished teachers. Offered on a voluntary basis to teachers with at least three years of teaching experience, the system of National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing.

What is expected of candidates for National Board Certification?

Candidates participate in a two-part assessment based on standards of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The portfolio includes student work, videotapes, and other teaching exhibits. The assessment center exercises are organized around challenging teaching issues and provide an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in situations across the age range and topics of the certificate field.

Why should teachers consider National Board Certification?

Several state governments, universities and school districts are encouraging teachers to seek National Board Certification. Rewards may include full or partial fee payment, salary bonuses, and other professional incentives.

Numerous teachers who have completed the certification process regard it as the most rewarding professional development activity they have undertaken. For some teachers, completing the portfolio is the first time they have systematically analyzed both what they teach and why they teach the way they do. Teachers have stated that they gained significant insight regarding their instruction and their students' learning.

Achieving National Board Certification has an impact on students' performance. Several recent studies confirm the effectiveness of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). Research by the CNA Corporation (November 2004), by Arizona State University (September 2004), and by the University of Washington and the Urban Institute (March 2004) show that students of NBCTs out performed students of non-NBCTs. More information about research related to National Board Certification can be found at www.nbpts.org.

What is the cost to the candidate?

The candidate fee is $2,500 plus an application processing charge of $65. Retake fees are $350 per entry plus an application processing fee of $15. Subsidies are made available through federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education and are awarded to eligible applicants through the Tennessee Department of Education. Subsidies funds are limited and awards are made on a first-come basis to those who meet eligibility requirements. Subsidies will be awarded until subsidy funds are depleted or until October 27, 2006, whichever comes first.

How long will it take to complete the National Board Certification process?

You may be one of the approximately 40 percent who achieve National Board Certification at the end of the first year. If you do not achieve, you can bank your scores through NBPTS, become an Advanced Candidate, and redo entries with low scores during the second and, if needed, the third years. To become and Advanced Candidate, submit an application to NBPTS by January 31, following the release of scores.

What are the eligibility requirements for a subsidy?

To be eligibile for an NBPTS subsidy, you must

• Have at least 3 years of full-time teaching experience,
• Currently hold a Tennessee professional or out-of-state teaching license,
• Currently teach in a Tennessee public school,
• Have not previously received an NBPTS subsidy award (in Tennessee or any other state),
• Have access to a class in the NBPTS certificate area during the candidacy process.

When you submit your subsidy application, your eligibility is verified usually within two weeks and you will receive an eligibility notification or award notification via email. When you receive your award notification, you will be asked to return a Subsidy Acceptance Form as soon as possible in order to authorize the subsidy office to submit your subsidy to NBPTS. If you have any questions, contact the Candidate Subsidy Administrator via johnny.crow@state.tn.us.

What is the application process? (5 steps)

Step 1. Go to the NBPTS website (www.nbpts.org) and read about the NBPTS Certification process and scholarship opportunities to assist you with your fee.

Step 2. Identify sources of financial assistance to help with your fee, e.g., your school system, local civic organizations. The State Department of Education provides subsidies in the amount of $1,250 to eligible candidates. Plan for additional financial assistance that may be needed for redoing portions of your NBPTS entries after the first year.

Step 3. Review the NBPTS assessment calendar to establish a timeline for completing your portfolio and assessment center requirements.

Step 4. Submit your NBPTS application online (https://nbpts4.ets.org/candapp/) and the nonrefundable $65 application processing fee.

Step 5. Apply for the NBPTS state subsidy in the amount of $1,250. Click On the Application for Subsidy link and, print out and complete the application form. If subsidy funds are available and if you are awarded a subsidy, the subsidy ($1,250) will be forwarded to NBPTS as soon as you have paid the $500 initial payment to NBPTS. If you do not have your NBPTS Candidate Identification Number (CIN) when you complete the subsidy application, forward you CIN to the subsidy office via email to jean.phillips@state.tn.us

(Instructions for Completing the Subsidy Application)

The subsidy application consists of one page of personal data and two pages of written responses to three instructions/questions.

• Please print the information requested for all spaces on the application. All information requested is important. Since we will communicate with you via email, please provide your school email address to ensure that all information can be delivered.

Respond to the following three instructions/questions and attach your response to the application. Your responses must be typed, double-spaced with a standard 12-point font (as used in this application). Do not exceed two pages total for all three responses.