Frequently Asked Questions
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Updated May, 2008

What is National Board Teacher Certification? Top | Back to FAQs

National Board Teacher Certification is a recognition of high quality teaching practice as measured against rigorous standards by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. It is a symbol of achievement and commitment to excellence in teaching. Offered on a voluntary basis to teachers with at least three years of teaching experience, National Board Teacher Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensure requirements. Information about the candidacy process is available at  http://www.nbpts.org.

What is expected of candidates for National Board Certification? Top | Back to FAQs

All National Board for Professional Teaching Standards assessments consist of two major parts:

• (1) four portfolio entries, and
• (2) six assessment center exercises.

Portfolio entries are performance assessments of classroom teaching that include video, student work, and other teaching artifacts. The video and student work are supported by commentaries on the goals and purposes of instruction, reflections on what occurred, effectiveness of practice, and rationale of professional judgment. Portfolios are designed to take at least four months to complete.

Assessment center exercises are designed to complement portfolio entries and are organized around challenging teaching issues. This aspect of the certification process requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in classroom situations across the age range and topics of the certificate field.

Assessment center entries consist of exercises that are focused on pedagogical and content knowledge. These entries often ask candidates to respond to specific prompts including situations to which teachers must respond or explorations of pedagogical and content issues.

A candidate has one to three years to achieve certification, although all entries must be submitted within the first year. Teachers report that they spend up to 400 hours in the candidacy process during the first year.

Is there a bonus for National Board Certified Teachers in Arkansas? Top | Back to FAQs

Yes, Act 1803 of 2003 provides a bonus of $5,000 as of the 2005-2006 school year. A bonus is paid annually (for up to 10 years) to any NBCT in Arkansas who continues to be employed in accordance with legislative provisions governing bonus eligibility. Currently 90 Arkansas public school districts offer additional incentives for National Board Teacher Certification. View the districts and incentives at Arkansas Public School NBPTS Incentives (PDF).

What is the cost of National Board Candidacy? Top | Back to FAQs

The application fee for National Board Teacher Certification is $2,500 with an additional $65 registration fee paid on-line at the NBPTS Web site.  Funding assistance is available (see below).

How does a candidate apply for Full State Funding? Top | Back to FAQs

Arkansas legislation has authorized the Arkansas Department of Education to provide funding on a competitive basis for the initial application fee and for three days of released time for teachers seeking National Board Teacher Certification. A potential Arkansas National Board candidate who is interested in the application for Full State Funding must attend an ADE orientation for information on this process.  Orientations are conducted during the spring and attendance does not guarantee funding since the funding process is competitive.  Note: Support funds must be repaid to the State of Arkansas if certification is not achieved.

Who is eligible to apply for Full State Funding for the NBCT application fee? Top | Back to FAQs

Those eligible for Full State Funding are teachers who:

• have three or more years of classroom teaching in an Arkansas public school prior to candidacy with an initial (3-year) and/or standard (5-year) teaching license;
• are currently engaged in direct classroom instruction with students according to Act 1060 of 2001, Section 1(a)(1);
• possess a valid Arkansas standard teaching license;
• can complete the certification process in one to three years;
• are able to support the cost of retake entries if funding is not available;
• are able to support the cost to repay state funds if certification is not achieved;
• have a certificate/license area suitable to current teaching assignment, education, and experience;
• have not received funding for National Board candidacy in the past.
  
  

What is First-Time Candidate Subsidy Funding, and how is it different from Full State NBCT Funding? Top | Back to FAQs

The Arkansas Department of Education utilizes NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Funding (CSF) to support candidates for National Board Teacher Certification.  These limited federal funds are provided by the U.S. Congress through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  These funds may pay half of the application fee if the prospective candidate provides the other half of the $2,500 fee ($1,250).  Candidates are only allowed to utilize CSF one time to pay half the application fee or to pay for up to two (2) retake fees (see below). Payment of the candidate's match is an eligible activity under Title II of No Child Left Behind.  The time to apply for CSF is April 1 - December 31, 2008.

What is Retake Candidate Subsidy Funding? Top | Back to FAQs

If CSF is available, this may be provided for eligible retake candidates who have never utilized CSF to pay half the application fee or to pay for up to two (2) retake fees.

Is National Board Certification renewable? Top | Back to FAQs

Yes, National Board Teacher Certification is valid for 10 years from the date of certification, and NBPTS policy states that a NBCT certificate may be renewed via a renewal process upon expiration.

Whom do I contact for information? Top | Back to FAQs

Michael Rowland, NBPTS Program Advisor
Office of Teacher Quality
Arkansas Department of Education
501 Woodlane, Suite 220 C
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: 501-682-1146
Fax: 501-682-5118