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 is this program different from the District's candidacy program?
This program is designed to introduce teachers, librarians, and counselors to the ideas and rigor of National Board Certification. It is NOT designed as support for teachers as they engage in the actual National Board Certification process.

How do I apply for AISD's NBPTS Pre-Candidacy Cohort?
This year, the application process begins in July 2008. Interested teachers, librarians, and counselors who have three years or more experience are encouraged to download an application.

What is the time frame for the program?
Applications are available in July 2008. Acceptance notification will occur August 2008. Pre-candidacy cohort meetings will take place September 2008 through February 2009

What is the expected commitment from participants, regarding both time and work products, to the program?
An expectation of the program is a commitment to a learning community--a commitment of time, effort, and active participation. A total of 8 meetings will be held on one Saturday and on one or two Thursdays each month from September through February from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. In addition, there will be assignments to be completed outside meeting times, such as reading professional literature, videotaping classroom lessons, and writing in depth and at length about teaching practices and professional commitments and accomplishments that impact student learning. Timely completion and submission of all assignments is an expectation of this program.

Does completion of the Pre-Candidacy Program guarantee membership to the District's National Board Candidacy Cohort?
No. Completion of the Pre-Candidacy program, however, should help to familiarize participants with the District's National Board Candidacy Cohort and the requirements, commitments, and overall structure of National Board candidacy. Applicants who complete Pre-Candidacy will have less new information about candidacy to manage. In addition, the written products will provide a foundational start to at least one candidacy portfolio entry. Successful completion of the Pre-Candidacy Program, including attendance and timely submission of all work, will be an important consideration in the Candidacy Cohort application process.

Should interested teachers, librarians, and counselors apply for this program even if they are not sure that they wish to attempt National Board Certification in the near future?
Teachers, librarians, and counselors who are interested in strengthening their teaching practices, but are not necessarily sure about pursuing National Board Certification, are welcome to apply to the Pre-Candidacy Cohort. The Cohort will focus on what teachers should know and be able to do with their own students.

A STATEMENT WORTH REPEATING: Teachers who are selected to participate in the AISD Pre-Candidacy Program will NOT become National Board candidates as part of this program. Successful pre-candidates may choose to apply for admission to the Austin ISD National Board Cohort near the end of their Pre-Candidacy year.