Austin ISD boasts one of the most successful National Board Certification Programs in the country. The program is designed to promote excellence in teaching through intense self reflection and study of practice. Quite simply, the process makes good teachers even better! There are currently more than 248 active NBCTs working in various roles across the district—more than any other district in the state of Texas. Learn more about National Board Certification.
As a testament to the program, teachers who have received certification have also snagged coveted teaching awards. AISD has had four NBTCs receive the Milken Family Foundation Award, hailed as the ”Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine. Teachers who have achieved certification have also earned or won numerous other awards, including the Disney American Teacher Award, Teacher(s) of the Year, HEB Teaching Awards and honors/recognitions bestowed by professional subject area associations.
Many teachers who earn national certification pursue leadership roles within the district becoming principals, assistant principals, mentors (including full-time REACH mentors), instructional coaches and specialists, curriculum writers and specialists, TIP (Teacher Induction Program) teachers, demonstration classroom teachers and others.
National Board Candidacy
The district has a long history of supporting teachers in achieving National Board Certification, with the first cohort of 10 teachers earning their certification in 2000.
As part of AISD’s commitment to the certification process, the district covers the costs of the $2,500 certification fee, pairs teachers with peer mentors who offer advice, support, training and coaching and provides an annual $2,000 stipend to teachers who achieve the prestigious certification. Application and screening occur in January/February of each year. A National Board Certified Teacher may also be selected to serve as a mentor for candidates and pre-candidates and qualify for an additional stipend.
Program Benefits
- Improve your teaching
- Enhance student learning
- Strengthen the teaching profession
- Gain leadership opportunities
Explore our Program Documents
- FAQ
- 2013-14 Application (candidates pay $65 and provide a refundable deposit of $250)
- National Board Certified Teachers
- 2012-13 NBCT Map
If you have any questions, please call Jan John in the AISD Office of Educator Quality at 414-9573.
National Board PreCandidacy & Take One!
This program is designed to introduce teachers, librarians, and counselors to the ideas and rigor of National Board Certification. Participants prepare and submit one pre-selected video portfolio entry. Participants in this program meet on a regular basis for training, coaching, and feedback and are assigned a mentor to provide additional support. Application and screening take place each August/September.
