Why Should I become a National Board Certified Teacher
While everyone else talks about what our students need, you as a teacher are making it
happen in your classroom every day. National Board Certification is the recognition you
deserve. National Board Certification is more than just adding a set of initials after
your name. It is the highest symbol of professional teaching excellence. The rewards are
many and becoming a National Board Certified Teacher attests to the fact that you have been
judged by your peers as one who is accomplished in your field.
National Board Certification:
- Meets most states'
definition of "highly qualified teacher" under NCLB
- Improves students' learning according to a vast majority of research
- Advances teaching careers (possibility of graduate credit through many universities)
- Increases financial opportunities in many states and districts (in Illinois up to an
additional $3000/year from the state for becoming a Master teacher)
- Provides a portable teaching license in most states
- Contributes to CEU/re-certification requirements in some states (Illinois Master
teaching certificate good for 10 year with only 1/3 of the CPDUs required for re-certification
with a standard certificate)
(Everything above is a direct quote from the National Board website www.nbpts.org except for those statements in paraphrases.)
Who can apply for National Board Certification?
Any teacher or school counselor that
- has a bachelor's degree
- has completed three full years of teaching/counseling experience
- holds a valid state teaching/counseling license for that period of time
Where can I find more information on National Board Certification?