The Austin Independent School district is proud to support a cohort of National Board candidates during this school year.

FAQ's About National Board Certification

What is National Board Certification?
National Board Certification is a demonstration of accomplished teaching practice as measured against high and rigorous standards. Offered on a voluntary basis, the advanced system of National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing. National Board Certification is a means to professional growth and improvement. Candidates describe the process as one of the most meaningful professional development experiences they have ever participated in because it focuses on their teaching with their students.

How do I earn National Board Certification?
The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has developed an innovative, two-part assessment process to determine whether a teacher possesses the attributes of accomplished teaching based on the National Board's standards. The first component of the assessment is done at a teacher's school. A teacher shows evidence of good teaching practice by preparing a portfolio. The portfolio contains videotapes of classroom teaching, lesson plans, samples of student work and written commentaries in which teachers reflect on what they are doing and why. The second component is comprised of exercises designed around content learning. Candidates complete six 30-minute assessments during one day at an assessment center.

Where is it happening?
Austin ISD has 151 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) as of December 2007. In 2007 - 2008, two cohort groups, with a total of 52 AISD teachers in a variety of age and teaching fields, are pursuing their candidacy with the support of the Professional Development Department. As a member of one of these cohort groups, candidates have the advantage of coaching and support by teachers who have been through the process.

Why is AISD supporting a cohort group?
National Board Certification is a credential attesting that the teacher has been assessed by peers as one who is accomplished, makes sound professional judgments about student learning, and can act effectively on that judgment. It is results-based staff development at its best. Many teachers have reported that meeting the high requirements for Certification has improved their teaching practice. Quite simply, the process makes good teachers even better.

How do I apply for AISD's NBPTS Cohort?
The application process begins very early in the second semester of each school year. Interested teachers, librarians, and counselors who have five years or more experience are encouraged to download an application. The application is available in early January through the application closing date in mid February, via the AISD website. The application can be downloaded in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

How much does it cost? How will I be supported?
Currently, the fee for application and evaluation of your portfolio is $2,565. AISD will pay fees for Cohort candidates, and will also provide support and guidance as you develop your portfolio and prepare for the assessment center.

How much time does certification take?
Teacher candidates will begin initial preparation and planning in April and May of 2007, along with limited work during the summer of 2007. Most teachers report spending between 300 to 800 hours on their portfolios.

How are assessments scored?
Teachers who are extensively trained in evaluation by the NBPTS score portfolio entries and assessment center exercises. Scoring is based on all of a candidate's responses: videotapes, student work samples, candidate's analysis and written responses to assessment center exercises. Scorers apply clearly expressed criteria and use scoring guides that are supplied to candidates when they begin their portfolios.

What if I don't pass all parts the first time?
Teachers who do not earn the minimum passing score may resubmit any individual portfolio or assessment center entries that fall below standard. You do not need to repeat successful entries. Candidates have two years in which to resubmit entries. A fee of $350 is required for each entry resubmitted. The AISD Cohort will support candidates who retake entries by paying for up to two entries per year for teachers who continue to participate in the Cohort group.

How long is a National Board certificate valid?
Certificates are valid for 10 years. There is also a renewal process available for National Board Certified Teachers who are approaching their 9th year as NBCTs.

How does Austin ISD compensate National Board Certified Teachers?
Austin ISD provides an annual $2000 stipend to any AISD teacher who submits documentation verifying completion of the requirements for National Board Certification. A National Board Certified Teacher may also earn an additional $1000 stipend for documented mentoring of Austin ISD National Board candidates.

What are the areas of certification available?
Age categories rather than grade levels organize NBPTS certification. The age categories are: Early Childhood (ages 3-8); Middle Childhood (ages 7-12); Early Adolescence (ages 11-15); Adolescence and Young Adulthood (ages 14-18+). You must be teaching the age child for the level of certification you are applying for. The areas of NBPTS Certification are:

Currently Available:

Art
Early and Middle Childhood
Early Adolesence through Young Adulthood
Career and Technical Education
Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
English as a New Language
Early and Middle Childhood
Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
English Language Arts
Early Adolescence
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Exceptional Needs Specialist
Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Generalist
Early Childhood
Middle Childhood
Health
Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Library Media
Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Literacy: Reading - Language Arts
Early and Middle Childhood
Mathematics
Early Adolescence
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Music
Early and Middle Childhood
Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Physical Education
Early and Middle Childhood
Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
School Counseling
Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Science
Early Adolescence
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Social Studies - History
Early Adolescence
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
World Languages Other than English
Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood

Additional information about National Board Certification is available at nbpts.org

Contact Merlinda Rodriguez at 414-3441 or merodrig@austinisd.org for more information.