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Have you heard about ... National Board Certification? The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a private, nonprofit organization that operates a national, voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet high standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The National Board Certification process is rigorous, requiring a two-part assessment based on the National Board standards and reflecting various aspects of teaching. The two parts include a classroom-based portfolio constructed by the candidate during the school year and a set of assessment center exercises organized around challenging teaching issues. To apply, you must have completed three years of classroom teaching. Most National Board Certified teachers indicate that the certification process is the best professional growth experience they have had in their teaching careers. Teachers can become certified by completing a classroom-based portfolio and passing a content-focused exam. Certificates are offered in 19 specialty areas based on subject area and the age of your students. The advantages of this achievement include: · Real professional growth · Recognition for accomplished teaching practices that support the learning of students · The opportunity to collaborate with other teachers · A one-time $10,000 stipend and $5,000 a year more for those who work in low-performing schools for four years, from the State of California There are now 7000 National Board certified teachers across the country and about 600 in California. Last year, three Oakland teachers submitted portfolios and are awaiting their results. Several more are planning to complete their portfolios this year. NEW: Steps to Certification for Oakland Teachers Applications can be requested by calling 1-800-22-TEACH, or visiting the National Board's web site at www.nbpts.org For information about California State fee subsidies ($1000), and application forms -- due in September, visit here. The Stanford National Board Resource Center offers support and information to candidates.Information and support materials are available from the National Education Association web site here - The NEA's position on the National Board - The California Arts Project Candidate Support Please note that this website is not specifically for art teachers. Any teacher interested in National Board Certification will find valuable information here. Rose Marlow's National Board Page: links to national standards, list-serves, and other useful resources for candidates. Wizzlewolf's National Board page: Links to other National Board resources. - Find Board Certified Teachers