National Board Certification

National Board Certification is a prestigious credential established for educators to achieve advanced certification through a demanding performance assessment. Teachers meet rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review, and are recognized as having an outstanding level of professional skill in key areas of teaching and learning.

The work to obtain National Board Certification consists of candidates completing four portfolio entries to demonstrate evidence of practice. The portfolio includes student work to show growth over time, videotapes of classroom activities/interactions, and written commentaries with analysis and reflection. Then, candidates take six 30-minute assessment tests that focus on age and content-appropriate teaching strategies and subject area content knowledge.

Starting this year (2008), OSPI offers a $5,000 yearly stipend for obtaining National Boards, $10,000 if teaching in a high needs school.

National Board Certification in Seattle Public Schools

There are now (2008) 58 SPS teachers who have earned their National Board Certification, and currently over 70 educators working towards NBC. Thanks to THNI, the Targeted High Needs Initiative, sponsored by WEA, there has been both funding and added support provided specifically for teachers of color and teachers at SPS high need schools.

Please see links at the left, for additional information and resources.