National
Board Certification - All About the Process and Rewards! Kathy Granas
In
1997 I became certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards (NBPTS). At that time, almost no one in Colorado had heard
of the organization. But now, as the number of National Board Certified
teachers grows across the country, more and more states and school
districts are responding with recognition and rewards for that certification.
For the 2000-2001 school year, I will receive a $2000 bonus
from my school district for my NBPTS certification. Going through
the certification process for National Board was the most rewarding
professional growth experience I have had in my 20 years of teaching.
The process consists of spending the spring semester writing a thoughtful
reflection about your teaching practice and how it meets the standards
set by the National Board.
In the summer you take a one-day test.
The test is designed to demonstrate that you know the content
of your teaching area. There
is a $2300 certification process fee. However, many states and districts
have avenues to support teachers by covering their fees. Among the
many rewards of certification is the possibility of "hooking
up" with an NBPTS teacher to act as your mentor and advocate.
What's more, every month the number of states and districts
offering financial incentives and rewards is increasing. Many states
offer leadership opportunities as well to certified teachers.
The National Board itself provides many opportunities to
certified teachers which involve the development and advancement
of the NBPTS.
Becoming
a National Board Certified Teacher has raised the professional nature
of my teaching career immensely. I feel more able to be a positive
role model for students as well as peers. To find out more about
the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the teacher
certification process, call1-800-22-TEACH or go to www.nbpts.org.
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