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What is National Board Certification?

Created by teachers, for teachers, National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. The certification process requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with the Five Core Propositions.

Component 1: Content Knowledge

A computer-based assessment asks you to demonstrate your understanding of content knowledge and pedagogical practices for teaching your content area, including developmentally appropriate content for the full age range and ability level of your chosen certificate area.

Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction

This portfolio entry requires that candidates gather and analyze information about individual students’ strengths and needs and use that information to design and implement instruction to advance student learning and achievement. You will submit selected work samples that demonstrate students’ growth over time and a written commentary that analyzes your instructional choices.

Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment

This portfolio entry requires video recordings of interactions between you and your students. You will also submit a written commentary in which you describe, analyze, and reflect on your teaching and interactions with students.

Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner

This portfolio entry requires you to demonstrate evidence of your abilities to develop and apply knowledge of your students; your use of assessments to effectively plan for an positively impact your students’ learning; and your collaboration to advance students’ learning and growth.

OSPI and WEA support for NBCT candidates:

  • Conditional loan: $1,425 toward the $1,900 assessment fees
  • Jump Start: cost of $250 for WEA members
  • Home Stretch: cost of $60 - $100 for WEA members
  • WEA cohort: cost of $75 - $200 per component

Lake Stevens School District support for NBCT candidates:

  • Two days of release time each year (not to exceed three years) for the candidate to complete the work necessary for certification.
  • One time stipend of $500 upon being awarded NBCT to partially offset the costs associated with gaining certification.
  • Payment of Jumpstart class fee (when funds are available)
  • Use of classroom facilities and materials (when requested)
  • Release time for recertification (when requested)
  • Facilitation of cohort model (when requested)