National Accreditation for Teachers

The National Board Certified Teacher program promotes the development of highly qualified teachers.

National accreditation for teachers, otherwise known as the National Board Certified Teacher program, is an effort supported by the U.S. Secretary of Education to promote and reward highly effective teachers. The program is administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This board establishes high teaching standards and provides assessments for qualified teachers who participate in the accreditation program

Eligibility

If you have completed a bachelor's degree, possess a valid teaching license in your state, and have successfully completed three years of classroom teaching experience, you can apply for National Board Certification.

Standards

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has established Five Core Propositions to promote and encourage highly effective teaching methods. Candidates for accreditation are required to show how they meet these standards.

1. Candidates must show they are committed to their students and learning. They "believe all students can learn" and take student differences into account with appropriate teaching methods and strategies.

2. Candidates must demonstrate that they are knowledgeable in the subject(s) they teach, that they are skillful in conveying subject matter to their students and know how and when to use diverse teaching strategies.

3. Candidates must demonstrate effective classroom management. They must employ effective assessment strategies and keep students engaged in learning.

4. Candidates must practice systematic thinking and learning. They must "model what it means to be an educated person" by reading, questioning and practicing critical thinking.

5. Candidates must partner with other learning communities. They must work with other professionals, parents and community organizations outside their classrooms

Assessment

To meet the requirements for National Board Certification, a teacher must submit all applications and forms.

Teachers who qualify must prove their ability to meet the Five Core Propositions, or standards. Eligible teachers must submit four portfolios, three of which document classroom teaching methods and student assessment. The fourth portfolio documents activities outside of the classroom, including working with other professionals, the community and/or with families.

Eligible teachers must also pass six computer-based assessments to earn accreditation. Each test takes 30 minutes and measures content knowledge in a teacher's specific teaching area(s).

The entire process to achieve national accreditation can take up to three years to complete.

Scoring

A candidate's portfolio and examinations are scored by at least 12 highly qualified and trained teachers. Scoring is based upon guidelines established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Fees

Application for national accreditation requires a $65 fee. An additional assessment of $2,500 is required to participate in the program. According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, other miscellaneous fees also may apply

Benefits

Once a teacher becomes a National Board Certified Teacher, he can be recognized as a master teacher, school leader or mentor to other teachers. Some states and school districts offer higher salaries for National Board Certified Teachers. Colleges and universities often grant graduate credits to National Board Certified Teachers.

References

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: Home Page
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: Education Policy: PreK-12
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: Eligibility & Policies
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: Become a Candidate
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: Fees & Financial Support