The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a non-profit organization that sets high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The NBPTS National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in the teaching profession. It is a voluntary process that takes approximately three years to complete.
The National Board Certification is available in 25 different certificate areas, including early childhood, special education, and world languages. To earn certification, teachers must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in four core areas:
- Content knowledge: Teachers must demonstrate a deep understanding of the content they teach.
- Student learning: Teachers must demonstrate their ability to plan and implement effective instruction that meets the needs of all students.
- Instructional practice: Teachers must demonstrate their ability to use a variety of teaching methods and strategies to engage students and promote learning.
- Professionalism: Teachers must demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and development.
The National Board Certification process is rigorous, but it is also very rewarding. Teachers who earn certification report increased confidence in their teaching abilities, as well as improved student learning outcomes.
Benefits of National Board Certification
There are many benefits to earning National Board Certification. These benefits include:
- Increased teacher effectiveness: Studies have shown that National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are more effective teachers than non-certified teachers. NBCTs are more likely to use effective teaching methods, create a positive learning environment, and meet the needs of all students.
- Improved student learning outcomes: Students taught by NBCTs have higher academic achievement than students taught by non-certified teachers. This is because NBCTs are more likely to engage students in learning, provide effective feedback, and set high expectations for student learning.
- Increased teacher satisfaction: NBCTs report higher levels of job satisfaction than non-certified teachers. This is because NBCTs feel more confident in their teaching abilities and are more likely to be respected by their colleagues and administrators.
- Increased earning potential: In many school districts, NBCTs are eligible for salary increases and other financial incentives.
How to Earn National Board Certification
The National Board Certification process takes approximately three years to complete. The process includes four main steps:
- Registration: The first step is to register with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
- Assessment: The second step is to complete the National Board Certification assessment. The assessment is a rigorous process that includes multiple measures of teacher knowledge and skills.
- Review: The third step is to have your assessment reviewed by a panel of experienced educators. The panel will determine whether you have met the standards for National Board Certification.
- Certification: The final step is to receive your National Board Certification. Once you have been certified, you will be able to use the NBCT credential after your name.
National Board UNCW
UNCW is a leading provider of National Board Certification support. The university offers a variety of programs and services to help teachers prepare for and complete the National Board Certification process. These programs and services include:
- National Board Certification courses: UNCW offers a variety of National Board Certification courses that cover the four core areas of the National Board Certification assessment. These courses are taught by experienced educators who have earned National Board Certification.
- National Board Certification workshops: UNCW offers a variety of National Board Certification workshops that provide teachers with an opportunity to learn about the National Board Certification process and to practice completing the assessment tasks.
- National Board Certification mentoring program: UNCW offers a National Board Certification mentoring program that pairs teachers who are preparing for the National Board Certification assessment with experienced NBCTs. The mentors provide guidance and support to the candidates as they prepare for and complete the assessment process.
- National Board Certification support groups: UNCW offers a variety of National Board Certification support groups that provide teachers with an opportunity to connect with other teachers who are preparing for or have completed the National Board Certification process. The support groups provide a forum for sharing ideas, asking questions, and providing encouragement.
Conclusion
The National Board Certification is a valuable credential that can help teachers improve their teaching skills, increase student learning outcomes, and advance their careers. UNCW is a leading provider of National Board Certification support, and the university offers a variety of programs and services to help teachers prepare for and complete the National Board Certification process.
Additional Resources
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- UNCW National Board Certification
- National Board Certification Support Groups
- National Board Certification Mentoring Program
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of earning National Board Certification?
A: The benefits of earning National Board Certification include increased teacher effectiveness, improved student learning outcomes, increased teacher satisfaction, and increased earning potential.
Q: How long does it take to earn National Board Certification?
A: The National Board Certification process takes approximately three years to complete.
Q: What are the steps involved in earning National Board Certification?
A: The steps involved in earning National Board Certification include registration, assessment, review, and certification.
Q: What support does UNCW offer for teachers who are preparing for National Board Certification?
A: UNCW offers a variety of programs and services to support teachers who are preparing for National Board Certification, including National Board Certification courses, workshops, a mentoring program, and support groups.