Shelby County Schools National Board Certification: A Closer Look A Push for Continued Excellence

What is National Board Certification? Independent, nonprofit organization formed in 1987 The highest certification offered to teachers Certification offered in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 content areas, and 4 student developmental areas A nationally recognized level of proficiency that offers certification in most states and opens doors to professional opportunities

Why do we have National Boards in teaching? To establish high, rigorous standards for what teachers should know and be able to do, To develop and operate a national voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet those standards, To advance related education reforms for the purpose of improving student learning in American schools.

National Board Teachers promote learning for all Both those who have obtained certification and those going through the process have helped develop professional learning for colleagues by (a)Enhancing reflection on teaching practice (b)Establishing professional discourse (c)Raising standards for teaching performance (d)Facilitating collaboration (Park, Oliver, Johnson, Graham, Oppong, 2007)

National Board Teachers in Shelby County Schools 73 Total Teachers PJmqGhibXc8&edufilter=vH8ntV7 keCE-ZLl5wRMzNg

Requirements for National Board Candidacy Have three years of teaching experience A baccalaureate (B.A. or B.S.) or higher degree Have a valid teaching certificate or license in force for each of the three years teaching experience Be a teacher leader and possess a desire to learn.

How much time does the certification process take? NBPTS estimates 120 hours each for portfolio entry and assessment center. Most teachers estimate somewhere between 300 and 600 hours total. That includes: –days of planning lessons and choosing work –days of trying to record an acceptable video –nights of lost sleep –REFLECTING –WRITING TIME –EDITING & ORGANIZING –TEST PREPARATION & TESTING

What makes up the certification process? The school-site portfolio counts 60% of score The assessment center counts 40% of score

What does a portfolio look like? A good portfolio reflects the standards of the certification area and gives a true picture of a teacher’s level of accomplishment.

The Assessment Center What is the test like? Teacher candidates spend a half day during the spring or summer at a computer testing center in their area They complete six 30-minute sessions –Based on written response to prompts –May be simulations or exploration of issues –Tests a teacher’s subject area knowledge “COMPS on a computer”

The Portfolio Contents What do I have to do? Three entries based on what goes on in the classroom –Two are videotaped entries with commentary –The third presents evidence based on student work with commentary A fourth entry based on the teachers’ work with families, the larger community and colleagues in ways that impact learning in the classroom

Why Should I consider the process? The absolute best professional learning experience-ever! Provides opportunities for further growth, professionally and financially. Join others in your system who have undertaken the challenge.

The Five Core Propositions of National Board

#1 Accomplished teachers are committed to students and their learning.

#2 Accomplished teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.

#3 Accomplished teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.

#4 Accomplished teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.

#5 Accomplished teachers are members of learning communities.

Is this for me? No teacher who has been involved with the process has regretted his or her decision.

Consider the five core propositions of National Board Certification: Do they fit your philosophy?

National Boards are...

Not Easy! Requires advanced standards from experienced teachers Reflects a single, nationally-recognized set of high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and do

Time Consuming! Depending on you and your work style, you will devote between 300 and 600 hours over a five to eight month period to the process. It does take time.

Reflective! You will learn about your students; you will learn about your teaching; you will learn about your strengths and weaknesses.

Rewarding!!!

What do you do now? Review standards on Website Decide if National Boards are for you Contact SC Professional Development Department Organize your calendar accordingly Complete the four-part portfolio Take the three-hour written assessment Wait for scores Do re-takes, as necessary, for 2 more years

Questions?