Candidate Support Providers Training
The Greater Capital Region Teacher Center in collaboration with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers Candidate Support Providers (CSP) or Facilitators Training. New York State Teacher Centers and school districts are encouraged to send pairs of NBCTs who are leading NB Support Groups from multi or single districts.
This institute is designed and presented by staff from the NBPTS to provide Candidate Support Providers Currently in NYS there are over 600 National Board Certified Teachers. As those numbers increase, and more and more teachers learn about National Board Certification, the requests for assistance in undertaking the rigorous process of the National Board have also increased statewide.
The Summer Institute for Candidate Support Providers at Rensselaerville is an opportunity to share experience and knowledge with colleagues who are interested in establishing National Board Certification Support Groups. This seminar will explore the formation and rationale of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, examine the skill sets that underpin the process of the National Board, and provide a platform for understanding what is “accomplished teaching.” Discussion will include pre-candidacy support in a district, a critical component for preparing teachers seeking NBC and supporting them in the process. Time-lines, and writing activities which help guide candidates through the process will be shared. Establishing support groups, developing norms and supporting a culture for a community of learners will also be explored.
One of the major goals of the National Board Council in New York is to increase the number of CSPs and support groups throughout NYS so that all teachers have access to the knowledgeable support structures.
Candidate Support Providers
National Board Certification Support Groups maximize the experience!
Beginning a Support Group:
One of the best ways to begin a National Board Support Group is to begin with conversations with a New York State Teacher Center Director and National Board Certified Teachers who are really excited about the certification process and want to help teachers in their area. Continue these discussions with invitations to NYSUT regional representative, administrators, Higher Education personnel, possible candidates, and perhaps a NBCT who is a Candidate Support Provider (CSP).
It takes a few people who are persistent and commited to establish an effective support program. NBPTS has established Policies for Ethical Support which are essential for all Candidate Support Providers.
Awareness:
Many NBC cohorts started with a general awareness presentation about the NBC process and continue on to generate brainstorming about how each organization can help support the initiative. Order a useful CD Rom, the NBPTS Recruitment Kit which contains a power point, handouts and video. This New York State Powerpoint can provide some additional information for presentations.
Informational Meetings
Since there is so much information to provide prospective candidates it often takes several informational meetings to build the commitment to the process and the group.
Agenda Items may include:
- NBPTS organization
- NBC Process
- reasons for pursuing NBC
- district support and incentives
- funding/Shanker Grant
- Five Core Propositions
- time commitment/time line
- certificate areas
Beginning the Portfolio:
In the Greater Capital Region Support Groups, we begin with a two-day retreat to really help our candidates get to know each other and begin the process.
Resources for Candidate Support Providers (CSPs)
The following resources have been generously provided by our CSPs and can be downloaded and modified to help other CSPs.
| Topic | Resource |
| Overview of Process | NBPTS Candidates Guide 2007 |
| Calendar | process calendar |
| Standards | standards cheat sheet |
| Portfolio Entries | Entries 1-3 outline |
| Entry 4 Planning | Documentation planning |
| Architecture for Accomplished Teaching | Power Point weaving together the Take One Guide, entries, standards, and 5 Core |
| Video taping | Tool for making your classroom map |
| Assessment Center | NEA Helpful Tips |
Resources for Candidate Support Providers
General:
The NEA supports National Board Certification.The NBPTS Research Guide on National Board Certified Teachers.
It is extremely important that CSPs provide current and accurate information to all audiences. CSPs are encouraged to:
- visit www.NPTS.org frequently
- network with other CSPs and support groups
- access the NBPTS NewsLink
Support Groups
A listing of support Groups or cohort of National Board candidates is on the Network page. Please contact us to be included.
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