National Board Certification® (NBC) is a symbol of accomplished teaching. The voluntary certification process is an extensive and intensive series of performance-based assessments that requires self-reflection and analysis of one’s own teaching practice. You must document content knowledge, effective teaching practices as well as demonstrate your ability to manage and measure student learning.
The West Virginia Legislature as well as select individual counties recognize the unique professional development value of NBC and are providing incentives, support and recognition for teachers who seek it. Fee payment ($2,500 per candidate) is key to encouraging teacher preparation, as is release time, mentoring and support during the process. The Legislature currently provides reimbursement for one-half of the $2,500 fee upon proof of fee payment to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the other half when the teacher completes ten scorable entries, as verified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The request for reimbursement is made by submitting the appropriate application to the West Virgina Department of Education with the appropriate documentation.
The current nationwide total of National Board Certified Teachers® is nearly 82,000. West Virginia has 494 teachers that are National Board Certified® with approximately 175+ candidates awaiting notification of their scores by December 31, 2011.
Who is eligible?
Any individual who holds a baccalaureate degree, has taught for at least three years and held a valid state teaching license for those three years or, where a license is not required, taught in schools recognized and approved to operate in the state.
How is NBC® organized?
The NBC® system of advanced standards and assessments is organized around five core propositions that reflect what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The National Board developed advanced standards based upon these five propositions in 25 fields. Currently, 25 certificates are available based on the standards. The standards and certificates reflect the developmental level of the students and subject area(s).
The process consists of two major performance based assessments: the portfolio entries and assessment center exercises. Both are based on rigorous standards for the certificate area and developmental level of the students. The process occupies most of the school year and takes approximately 400+ hours to complete. A NBC® certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of certification and can be renewed through an additional process. The West Virginia Legislature currently provides a $3,500 bonus annually for each of the ten years the certificate is valid.
Who do I contact for a National Board Certification application or information?
Call 1.800.22.TEACH; visit the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ website, or contact Anita Maxwell at 1.800.642.8261, ext. 116 for further details on WVEA’s assistance for WVEA members who are candidates pursuing the process. The WV Department of Education (WVDE) also provides assistance materials via their Website at http://wvde.state.wv.us/nationalboard.