NBCT INFO

What is National Board Certification?

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization which administers the certification process. In the National Board Certification process, educators complete four modules designed to evaluate their accomplished mastery of content and pedagogy. The process is founded on Five Core Propositions:

  1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning.

  2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.

  3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.

  4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.

  5. Teachers are members of learning communities.

Who can become National Board Certified?

NBPTS currently offers certification in about 25 different certificate areas. Certificate designations are based on the curriculum area or content and on the age group of the students served.

The National Board Certification process is voluntary and is NOT equivalent to licensure to teach in a given state.

"I knew I didn’t want to leave the classroom, but I was ready for a challenge. National Board certification piqued my interest...I thought I was a pretty good teacher, but could I prove it? I did! And the process changed my teaching forever!"

— Nancy, Chesapeake

Retired Math Teacher

"National Board was the best way to reflect on the teacher I was and articulate the teacher I wanted to continue to strive to be. It’s so important for teachers to be treated as the professionals they are. The National Board process was a way to highlight my skills and show others how serious I am about my profession. "

— Lauren, Williamsburg

English Teacher

Previous Region 2 Teacher of the Year

"The certification process is simply the best professional development I've experienced. Being an NBCT has opened doors to opportunity and networking relationships I would not have had otherwise."

-Amy, Yorktown

English Teacher

"The National Board Certification process has enabled me to improve my teaching and have a greater impact on the lives of my students. In addition, the certification enabled me become a better leader in my division and school."

— Carey, Newport News

Third Grade Teacher