Background Facts on National Board Certification

National Board Certification (NBC) is an advanced teaching credential and a challenging professional development experience offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). NBC is a voluntary certification system based on high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

Established in 1987, NBPTS is governed by a 63-member board of directors, a majority of which must be regularly engaged in classroom teaching. Twenty-six NEA members, including President Reg Weaver, Executive Committee Members Michael Marks and Becky Pringle, and National Teacher of the Year Betsy Rogers of Alabama, are now serving on the Board. Classroom teachers influence all aspects of the National Board's work, from standards setting to assessment development, including the scoring of all candidate performances.

Assessments Offer Unique Form of Professional Development

Achieving certification means successfully completing an innovative two-part assessment process which spans several months: a portfolio of materials to demonstrate how candidates' teaching meets National Board standards and an assessment center experience where candidates respond to computer prompts about subject matter and classroom situations, based on the standards developed for their field.

Teachers report that National Board assessments are challenging and time consuming, but provide a unique form of professional development that improves their teaching practice. Candidates analyze their teaching in relation to National Board standards and provide written reflections about the impact of their own teaching strategies on student learning. Many teachers describe National Board Certification as the most valuable professional development experience they have ever had.

States and districts are increasingly recognizing the unique professional development value of NBC and are providing incentives, supports, and recognition for teachers who seek it. Fee payment is key to encouraging teacher preparation, along with release time and mentoring and support during the process.

Various Kinds of Support Available to Candidates

Association leaders and staff recognize that National Board Certification is improving teaching practice, elevating the profession, and addressing members' professional development interests. NEA, as well as its state and local affiiates, offer significant support for candidates by way of grants, workshops, and materials.

Some state affiliates have secured supportive legislation that pays fees and provides release time to candidates. Others have organized Association networks and support groups to assist members who become candidates. Many local Associations are using the collective bargaining process to secure release time, fee payment, mentoring/assistance and salary recognition for teachers who participate in the NBC process.

NBPTS itself recognizes the importance of supporting educators who go through this rigorous assessment process. Its Web site highlights the support that locals and states are offering to prospective candidates.