National Board Certification Programs

Requirements

The National Board Certification process requires teachers to demonstrate and provide evidence that they meet the standards that have been established by educators in a two part performance-based assessment.

1. Teachers compile a portfolio which contains four entries about practice, including student work samples, videotapes, analyses and reflection of their classroom teaching and student learning. Additionally every candidate must provide evidence of their leadership, their development as life-long learners, and their interaction with parents and the community.

2. The assessment center portion is conducted at a computer-center and consists of six, thirty minute exercises which require candidates to provide written responses demonstrating content knowledge specific to their certification area.

For certificate specific requirements visit www.NBPTS.org.

 

Background

Moving the National Board Certification process forward in New York State has been a collaborative effort of teachers, New York State Teacher Centers (NYSTC), New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), New York State Education Department (NYSED), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA), Higher Education, and State Farm Insurance.

As of November 2009, there are 999 National Board Certified Teachers in New York State. Although National Board Certification had been available since 1993, only 40 NYS teachers had achieved certification between 1993 and 2000.

Since establishing the NYS Albert Shanker Grant in 1999 which subsidizes the $2500 fee for pursuing National Board Certification, New York State has consistently had about 90 teachers certify each year. NYSUT and NYSED have continued to support NBC by lobbying for continued funding of the Shanker Grant.

Concurrently, the GCRTC began to offer guidance and support for candidates by offering cohort groups which meet regularly to meet the demands of this rigorous certification. In 2004, The Greater Capital Region Teacher Center and NBPTS began to offer intensive training for facilitators or "Candidate Support Providers" at the Rensselaerville Institute near Albany, New York. Teachers are grateful that these programs have been partially underwritten by a grant from State Farm.

Support programs and funding will be essential in growing the number of NBCTs in New York State.

In NYS Education Law Part 80 3.6 allows teachers to meet the five year 175 hour/professional development requirement for maintaining certification (effective 2/2/2004) upon achievement of National Board Certification. Districts are required to record and submit teacher's professional development hours to NYSED and therefore, it is important to keep maintain accurate records of Nationally Board Certified Teachers and their certification achievement date.

 

Eligibility

Begin by determining the National Board certificate area which best fits your professional goals and your practice by visiting NBPTS. Almost everything you need can be directly downloaded without cost.

To be eligible for National Board Certification, educators must:

(a) hold a baccalaureate degree

(b) have at least 3 years appropriate teaching experience

(c) hold a valid state teaching certificate OR teach in a state approved private school

The NBPTS Candidate Guide is also extremely helpful to candidates and administrators as a quick overview of the process.

Funding

Apply for National Board Certification on-line at www.nbpts.org before applying for the Albert Shanker Grant. Record the candidate identification number and make an extra copy for your records. The candidate identification number will be needed for the Shanker Grant application. "The Box" containing your NBC materials will arrive about three weeks after applying to NBPTS. Do NOT throw out the box. Your portfolio entries will be submitted in the box.

The Albert Shanker Grant administered by the New York State Education Department will cover the $2,500 cost of NBC. To be eligible Albert Shanker Grant Candidates MUST:

(a) currently teach in a NYS public school

(b) hold a valid New York State teaching certificate

(c) hold tenure

(d) hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university

Sanford Lake is the New York State Education Department Program Administrator of the Albert Shanker Grant.

Office of Teaching Initiatives

New York State Education Department

5 North, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234

Phone: (518) 473-9847

Fax: (518) 473-0217

Email: slake@mail.nysed.gov

The Albert Shanker Grant & Candidate Subsidy will also fund up to two entry retakes ($700).

 

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has lobbied on behalf of teachers for continued support of the Albert Shanker Grant. NYS is quite unique in providing this funding; through the Albert Shanker Grant all eligible teachers in NYS have equal opportunity to pursue National Board Certification. NYSUT has a recently designed webpages with a great deal of valuable information about NBC.

 

Candidate Support

Pursuing National Board Certification is s rigorous professional development experience which takes between one and three years to achieve. The GCRTC offers sustained support by trained facilitators for teachers in the certification process which truly enhances the experience. These support groups were formed so that teachers are not working in isolation, but benefit from working with colleagues. Teachers have spoken highly of the importance of collegial support from pre-candidacy through achievement of certification by giving and receiving constructive feedback. The National Board Council of New York website also has a great deal of information and a listing of support groups across the state.

Starting The Portfolio

The NEA/AFT A Guide to National Board Certification is a very useful resource for candidates and candidate support providers. The National Board’s work is guided by five core propositions that articulate what teachers should know and be able to do. This expression of ideals guides the development of the National Board’s standards and assessment. Using these core propositions as a foundation, NBPTS standards further detail what constitutes accomplished teaching in 25 subject areas and for students at all stages of their development.The influence of the NBPTS standards is pervasive throughout the National Board Certification process. They form the basis for the performance-based assessments that are at the heart of the National Board Certification system. They drive the structure of the assessment exercises as well as the scoring rubrics.

Programs

Awareness Sessions:

 

Take One Awareness Session

GCRTC is proud to present this outstanding opportunity for teachers who are interested in learning more about the National Board Process thru a hands-on participatory approach. Take One! Provides a short-term experience with the National Board Certification process so teachers can gain familiarity and experience by completing only one entry (instead of the four required) for their certification area. Take One! is a new offering from NBPTS for educators interested in experiencing the highly praised professional development attributes of National Board Certification. It is a standards- based professional development opportunity that has been built from NBPTS, nationally respected assessment program, a program proven by independent research to contribute to the improvement of teacher quality that, in turn, impacts improved student learning. Take One! consists of one video portfolio entry from any of the 24 certificate areas of the National Board Certification assessment program. Take One! also includes a personal activity book that offers guidance on evidence-based teaching and how it fits within the architecture of an accomplished teacher's practice. With this activity book educators will be able to practice and self-assess evidence-based teaching and reflective analysis. This is a wise investment of professional development finds for school districts, particularly those with high-need schools in which all the fees are waived. Entries are due April 15th annually.

 

Location: Sand Creek Middle School

Date: April 15, 2010 (Thurs.); Time: 4-6 pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hrs

Code: WS 3303

Instructor; Annette Romano, NBCT

---------------OR-------------------------------------------------------------------

Location: Saratoga Administration Building

Date: April 14, 2010 (Thurs.); Time: 4-6 pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hrs

Code: WS 3304

Instructor; Annette Romano, NBCT

 

NBC Awareness Sessions

This two hour informational workshop is designed as an overview of the NBC process for teachers, union leaders, or administrators. The purpose of this session is to explain the framework of the NBC process and provide access to professional, financial, and technical supports available to candidates; timelines; fees; and a discussion of the benefits, certifications, and processes involved in certification.  

 

Location: Sand Creek Middle School

Date: April 15, 2010 (Thurs.); Time: 4-6 pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hrs

Code: WS 3303

Instructor; Annette Romano, NBCT

---------------OR-------------------------------------------------------------------

Location: Saratoga Administration Building

Date: April 14, 2010 (Thurs.); Time: 4-6 pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hrs

Code: WS 3304

Instructor; Annette Romano, NBCT

 

Specialized Workshops

 

Entry Review for NBC Candidates

This is an opportunity for Candidates to write, participate in entry review, or analyze their videos with other candidates and National Board Certified Teachers. Please bring entry directions, scoring guide, and standards for your certification area.

Location: GCRTC University @ Albany East Campus—Rensselaer,

Date: March 6, 2010 (Sat.); Time: 9:00-4:00

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 7 hrs

Code: WS 3019

National Board Assessment Center Workshop

National Board Assessment Center Workshop Of special interest to National Board Candidates, this dinner marks a shift in focus from portfolio submission to Assessment Center preparation. in their certificate area. This is an opportunity for all NBC candidates and advanced candidates to meet with each other and discuss resources, standards and assessment framework topics. Candidates will collaborate in groups of similar certification areas. Please bring scoring guide, exercise descriptions, resources and curriculum information to share.

Location: Saratoga Administration Blg

Date: April 28, 2010 (Wed.);Time: 4:30-8:00 pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 3.5 hrs

Code: WS 3026

Instructors are NBCTs from various certificate areas.

 

National Board Preparation Workshop

National Board Preparation Workshop: Time Management, District Support , Planning Instruction and Assessment, Videotaping, and , Word Processing Tips for Portfolio Entries This one day workshop is open to any teacher who is currently a candidate for the National Board Certification Process, or for those who would like a closer look at some of the skills involved in pursuing National Board Certificaton. Developed by Nationally Board Certified Teachers, this program will offer assistance in areas most requested by teachers who are in the process.

Location: Sand Creek Middle School Library and Computer Lab

Date: August 24, 2010 Time 9:00-4:00 7hrs

Code: WS 3317

No Fee, but please register: Lunch Included.

NBCT Instructors: : Jim Brown, Kathy Fernau, Colleen Hagadorn, Annette Romano

 

Support Groups Beginning 2010-2011

Learn more about NBC be part of a professional learning community. You are encouraged to attend an Informational Session.

Capital Region NBC Support Group--Sand Creek MS

Informational Session

This two hour informational workshop is designed as an overview of the NBC process for teachers, union leaders, or administrators. The purpose of this session is to explain the framework of the NBC process and provide access to professional, financial, and technical supports available to candidates; timelines; fees; and a discussion of the benefits, certifications, and processes involved in certification.

Location: Sand Creek Middle School

Date: May 6, 2010

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hrs.

Code: 3310

Instuctors: Dana Cadman and Melissa Gergen

 

Follow up meeting:

National Board Certified Teachers, Dana Cadman (Troy CSD) and Melissa Gergen (Guilderland CSD) will facilitate and support candidates through the rigorous NBC process. By establishing a supportive community of professionals, participants will be guided through portfolio development and assessment preparation. Group members will participate and support others in monthly meetings and Rensselaerville retreat(s). Sessions will focus on all aspects of the certification process including applying, personal reflection, videotaping, effective writing techniques, and peer review. This group will have a maximum of 15 candidates.Participants will develop a calendar of monthly meeting dates Listed dates may be revised.

 

Location: Sand Creek Middle School

Date: June 3, 2010 4-8pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required.60 hrs

Code: 3327

Instuctors: Dana Cadman and Melissa Gergen

 

North Country NBC Support Group

Informational Session

This two hour informational workshop is designed as an overview of the NBC process for teachers, union leaders, or administrators. The purpose of this session is to explain the framework of the NBC process and provide access to professional, financial, and technical supports available to candidates; timelines; fees; and a discussion of the benefits, certifications, and processes involved in certification. Susan Moore-Palumbo and Judy Moffitt who are National Board Certified science teachers at South Glens Falls High School lead this collegial group.

Location: WSHWE BOCES Gick Road Saratoga

Date: May 13, 2010 Time 4-6pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hours

Code: WS 3311

 

Follow up meeting:

This program provides assistance to teachers in the Saratoga Area of New York who are seeking National Board Certification. It offers pre-candidate sessions, assistance in processing applications, videotape training, peer review, assessment review, reflective retreats, linkage with content experts and emotional and collegial support. This group launches with all the other support groups at the Rensselaerville Meeting Center, but meets throughout the year closer to the candidates geographic location. Susan Moore-Palumbo and Judy Moffitt, who are National Board Certified science teachers at South Glens Falls High School, lead this collegial group. Their writing retreat takes place at Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake in January.Participants will develop a calendar of monthly meeting dates. Follow up dates listed will be revised.

Location: WSHWE BOCES -Gick Road Saratoga

Date: June 3, 2010 4-8pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 60 hours

Code: 3314

Instructors: Judy Moffitt and Susan Moore Palumbo

 

Union Graduate College NBC Support Group

This program offers sustained support to teachers who are pursuing National Board Certification. Under the guidance of National Board Certified Teachers Catherine Snyder (Union Graduate College) and Rich Lasselle (Guilderland CSD), this program offers pre-candidate sessions, assistance in processing applications, video tape peer review, reflective retreats at Rensselaerville, once a month throughout the year at Union Graduate College for either day-long or after school sessions.

Informational Session:

Location: NEW Union Graduate College on Nott Terrace

Date: May 3, 2010 Time: 4:00-5:30

Code: IS 3308

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required 2 hours

 

Follow up Meeting:

Location: Union Graduate College on Nott Terrace

Date: June 2, 2010 Time 4:00-6:00

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 60 hours

Code: 3307

Instructors: Richard Lasselle, Catherine Snyder

Urban Teacher NBC Support Group

At the request of many urban teachers this program offers sustained support to teachers who work in high-need urban areas and are pursuing National Board Certification. Under the guidance of Rita Floess National Board Certified Teacher (Albany CSD), this program offers pre-candidate sessions, assistance in processing applications, video tape peer review, reflective retreats at Rensselaerville, linkage with content experts and emotional and collegial support. The Group meets approximately once a month throughout the year for either day-long or after school sessions. Calendar will be created by participants.

Informational Session:

Date: May 11, 2010 4:00-5:30

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hours

Code: WS 3309

Instructor: Rita Floess, NBCT

Follow up meeting:

Date: June 9th, 2010 Time: 4-7:00pm

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 60 hours

Code: 3313

Location: Albany HS

Summer Institute for National Board Candidates

This NBC Summer Institute is designed especially for teachers who are pursuing National Board Certification as new/current candidates or Take One Candidates. This Institute was created to give candidates an entry point to the National Board process that is experiential and inviting.

 

Please contact Kathe Bryan at the Rensselaerville Meeting Center, (518) 797-5100 directly to pay the fee of $130.00. If your school district is not part of the GCRTC, the fee is $200. Please note: You are not officially enrolled until you have registered here at GCRTC and paid the Rensselaerville Meeting Center. Register early, this Institute fills quickly. Deadline for payment is June 28, 2010.

Location: Rensselaerville Meeting Center

Date: July 7-9, 2010 1pm Wednesday to 1:00pm Friday

Fee: $130 includes food and lodging (double occ.) Registration is required. 30 hrs

Code: 3316

Instuctors: Dana Cadman, Rita Floess, Melissa Gergen, Rich Lasselle, Judy Moffitt, Susan Moore-Palumbo, Annette Romano, Catherine Snyder

 

The NBC Summer Institutes are made possible by support from:
           

Programs for NBCTs

NBCT Renewal Process Overview

If you are in your eighth or ninth year as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), it is time to begin the NBCT renewal process. This program is designed to provide an overview of the requirements for renewal of your NBC certification. Through renewal, NBCTs demonstrate that their professional practice remains consistent with the high and rigorous standards for their subject area. Discuss what professional growth experiences might be selected for the renewal process.

 

Location: Sandcreek MS

Date: July 13, 2010; Time: 9-11 am

Fee: No fee is charged. Registration is required. 2 hrs.

Code: WS 3499

Instructors: Jim Brown, NBCT Renewed

 

NBCT Renewal Cohort

This program is designed for National Board Certified Teachers who are in their 8th or 9th year and desire to pursue the NBPTS Renewal process. Participants will meet monthly to participate in peer review and video analysis to discuss their continuum of growth and how it impacts student learning.

Dates: TBA

NBPTS Candidate Support Provider Training

Whether you wish to support candidates formally by a establishing a support group or informally within your school, this training will take your knowledge of NBC to a whole new level. This training was designed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for National Board Certified Teachers, Higher Education Personnel, and Teacher Center Directors who are providing support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification. This program is designed to provide Candidate Support Providers or Facilitators the foundations necessary to help candidates through the rigorous process by forming Support Groups. NBPTS Certificate upon completion.

Location: Rensselaerville Meeting Center

Date: July 6-8, 2010 (Tues 1:00 -Thurs.3:00);

Fee: $250 is charge Registration is required. 22 hrs

Code: 3319 NBPTS/GCRTC Candidate Support Providers Institute

Instructor: Annette Romano, NBCT, NBPTS Faculty

This training is sponsored by the NBPTS Targeted High Needs Grant.

 

 

Graduate Credit Programs

 

Union Graduate College School of Education

has designed two Certificates of Advanced Study; one in Mentoring and one in Teacher Leadership. Each of these will help teachers prepare for various leadership roles in their school district. Link to more information.

 

The University at Albany School of Education

has created a 15 credit hour Certificate of Graduate Study in Teacher Leadership, which involves participating in a National Board support group, achieving NBC, participating in a teacher leadership institute and focusing on a specific area of expertise. This CGS has be approved by NYSED. Link to more information.

A new Teacher Leadership Institute is being offered the summer of 2010.

 

The College of St. Rose and NYSUT's Education and Learning Trust

have developed an Advanced Study in Curriculum and Instruction. It is a series of 3 courses for 9 graduate credits at the graduate and post graduate level, in a cadre for support through the National Board Certification Process. These courses are being offered at a reduced cost through ELT and are being piloted for the 2010-2011 cycle in the Albany Area and on Long Island.

Program Awareness Session:

March 25, 2010

4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

New York State United Teachers, 800 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham

Flyer with registration information: ELTNBC course2010

Contact Susan Lafond, NBCT for more information slafond@nysutmail.org

 

Resources for National Board Certification

 

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards 1-800-22-TEACH
• National Board Council of New York
• New York State Education Department--Albert Shanker Grant
• New York State United Teachers

National Board Program Coordinator

 

Would you like a Teacher Center representative to come to your school for a faculty meeting, conference day, or staff development meeting to make a presentation about the National Board Certification Program?

 

Nationally Board Certified Teacher(s) will bring materials, and tailor a presentation to your specific needs and time frame.

 

Annette Romano, NBCT, NBPTS Faculty

(518)525-2654 office

(518)339-2285 cell

aromano12@gmail.com

 

 

 

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