National Board Certification® measures a teacher's practice against these high and rigorous standards. The process is an extensive series of performance-based assessments that includes teaching Portfolios, student work samples, videotapes and thorough analyses of the candidates' classroom teaching and student learning. Teachers also complete a series of written exercises that probe the depth of their subject-matter knowledge, as well as their understanding of how to teach those subjects to their students.
 

2-Why should a teacher consider this process?

Teachers who have participated in National Board Certification have overwhelmingly stated it is the most powerful professional development experience of their careers. They say the experience changes them as professionals and that through the process they deepen their content knowledge and develop, master, and reflect on new approaches to working with their students.

3-Who is eligible?

National Board Certification is voluntary and open to all people who have a baccalaureate degree and three years of classroom experience in either a public or private school. It is valid for 10 years, after which a teacher must seek renewal. The fee for National Board Certification is $2300.

4- How much is the application fee?

The application feel is $2,300. The 8(g) grant provides funds to pay $2,000 of the fee for a limited number of candidates from each district, public and non-public.

5-Are there any support systems available to me as I pursue this certification?

National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT’s) serve as Candidate Support Providers to candidates at the state level. Support meetings are held monthly at regional university sites with NBCT’s serving as CSP’s assigned to each site.

Locally National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT’s) serve as facilitators to candidates at the local level, also. Livingston Parish Public School District offers assistance to candidates through regularly scheduled meetings. (October, November, January, February)

6- Do I need to attend a pre-candidacy meeting in order to participate in this process?

Yes- A series of pre-candidacy meetings take place regionally each spring to acquaint prospective candidates with the certification process and make them aware of its rigorous requirements. Candidates apply directly to the state.
 

7-Are salary supplements available to teachers who gain this certification?

Yes- A bill has been renewed in the Louisiana Legislature that awards $5,000 salary supplement to NBCT’s for the ten-year life of the certificate. Teachers must remain employed by a public school district to receive the supplement.