NCCAT's National Board support sessions for the 2007-2008 cycle have been completed. NCCAT receives many more applications than positions available therefore is not able to fullfill all requests for placement.

FAQ's For National Board Candidates

1) What is the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification?
2) What is NCCAT’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Support Seminars?
3) Who is Eligible for NCCAT’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Support Seminars?
4) How to Apply for NCCAT’s National Board Support Seminars?
5) When is NCCAT’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Program Offered in 2008-09?
6) Other Information

What is the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification?
This Certification is a symbol of professional teaching excellence. It attests that a teacher was judged by his or her peers as one who is accomplished, makes sound professional judgments about students' best interests, and acts effectively on those judgments. National Board Certification measures a teacher's practice against high and rigorous standards through an extensive series of performance-based assessments, which includes teaching portfolios, student work samples, videotapes or DVD's and thorough analyses of the candidate's teaching and the students' learning. Offered on a voluntary basis, National Board Certification complements but does not replace state licensing. While state licensing systems set entry-level standards for novice teachers, National Board Certification establishes advanced standards for experienced teachers. The process involves written exercises that probe the depth of a candidate's subject-matter knowledge, as well as his or her understanding of how to teach those subjects.The National Board has developed standards in 26 fields. All NBPTS standards are based on the National Board's Five Core Propositions for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The standards serve as the basis for National Board Certification®.
For complete information go to http://www.nbpts.org/

What is NCCAT’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Support Seminars?
NCCAT’s program supports your efforts to earn this Certification by providing a five-day residency program at NCCAT for portfolio work. The program offers a five-day residency program dedicated to reflecting on best teaching practices for the portfolio required by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. During the programs, candidates are divided into small groups and work with a facilitator who holds national board certification. North Carolina has more teachers than any other state who have earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Our state pays the $2,500 assessment fee required to begin the intensive yearlong process of study and preparation. North Carolina teachers who achieve national certification receive a 12 percent pay increase.

Who is Eligible for NCCAT’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Support Seminars?
Please see information in “How to Apply …” below .

How to Apply for NCCAT’s National Board Support Seminars?
First, register with National Board –make sure you click on your state-North Carolina so you can register with DPI (N.C. Department of Public Instruction). Check their Web pages for information:  www.nbpts.org  and www.dpi.state.nc.us.
Second, upon receipt of the names from DPI of those candidates who meet the qualifications for state funding, NCCAT will mail you a special letter of invitation and application to apply for a slot in a support seminar.
Third, once we receive your application, you will become eligible for random selection for placement in a support seminar. You will be notified if selected. It is suggested that you try to accommodate the dates offered.

Other Information:

• In the 2008-2009 National Board cycle, NCCAT will receive over 1500 applications and be able to fill approximately 450 slots. All teachers who apply remain eligible throughout the on-going selection process, taking place between July and March.

• The selection process is based on an equitable model whereby consideration is given to all 26 areas of National Board certification and all 115 school districts. (It is not a first come first serve process).

• In each National Board Support Seminar, candidates work in groups of six from the same National Board area guided by a National Board certified teacher from that same area.

When is NCCAT’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Program Offered in 2008-09?
          Seminars will be offered July 2008 – March 2009. Please email natboard@nccat.org for details.