National Board Certification
National Board Certification (NBC) is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. NBC has national standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certifies teachers who successfully complete its rigorous certification process.
NEA'S POSITION
NEA supports National Board Certification through its resolutions and other policy documents and considers it a valuable professional development option for experienced teachers. NEA views its support of this advanced, voluntary certification as an important part of its long-standing efforts to enhance standards for—as well as perceptions of—the teaching profession.
WHY NEA SUPPORTS NBC
NEA was among the founding organizations that established the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 1987, and remains one of its strongest supporters for several reasons:
- NEA members attest to the positive effects the National Board Certification process has on their classroom practices.
- A growing body of research links National Board Certification with improved student achievement.
- The certification process is a rigorous, challenging process that causes teachers to analyze their work. It is a powerful learning experience whether they achieve National Board Certification or not.
HOW NEA SUPPORTS NBC
NEA supports and promotes the national certification process as an important element of a comprehensive system to ensure teacher quality. We provide support to our state and local affiliates on National Board issues. We bring together NBPTS staff and our state instructional issues staff regularly to discuss recruiting and supporting National Board candidates. We provide workshops for potential candidates—such as the "Jump Start" program—where we demystify the NBC process, delve into the standards, and help our members understand the requirements.
NEA affiliates at the state and local levels also actively promote National Board Certification. Many helped pass legislation to pay fees and provide release time to National Board candidates. Others bargained contract provisions for release time, fee payment, mentoring/assistance, and salary recognition for candidates.
ASSOCIATION SUPPORT
Association support for National Board Certification is making a difference. Already more than 82,000 teachers have achieved National Board Certification, the teaching profession's highest credential.
DISTRICT SUPPORT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Every professional needs time to think, learn, and strengthen skills, and teachers are no exception. Good staff development programs can reinvigorate teachers. Poor ones can demoralize them.
High-quality professional development requires a commitment of money and time. NEA believes school districts must provide time during the regular workday and work year for study, research, reflection, and collaboration with colleagues.
For more information about the certification process, please contact Rowena Shurn ( [email protected] ) in the NEA Teacher Quality department.
Information for Potential Candidates, Candidates, and NBCTs
GENERAL INFORMATION
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) site
Information about the NBPTS and the National Board Certification process, as well as resources for candidates and National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs).
- Research
Studies about the impact of National Board Certification.
- NBPTS Education Policy and Practice Information Center
Information and resources to support advocacy and reform efforts.
- NBPTS Core Propositions
The Five Core Propositions that characterize what accomplished teachers know and are able to do.
- NBPTS Standards by Certificate
The list of 25 certificate areas and their standards.
- Become an NBPTS Assessor
Professional development opportunity for teachers that involves scoring candidate responses.
CANDIDATE RESOURCES
- Candidate Information Page
The site for first-time and advanced candidates, which provides background, directions, and guidance.
- State and Local Candidate Support
Search for fee assistance and incentives provided in your geographic area.
- National Board Webinars
Informational webinars led by NBCTs for those interested in Board certification and Maintenance of Certification.
NBCTS RESOURCES
- Maintenance of Certification
Information on maintaining your National Board certificate.
- Professional Learning Facilitator Resources
Gain access to candidate support facilitator resources
- National Board Network
National Board Professional Teaching Standards Network
- NBPTS Advocacy Link
Resources for NBCTs who are or want to be involved in political advocacy.
- NBConnect Access
Online community for accessing National Board resources and dashboards
- Building Awareness
Resources to raise awareness for National Board Certification
Learn More
- 1 Utah’s Jennifer Bramson recognized as 2024 NEA ESP of the Year
- 2 'The biggest honor of my life was when I served as chair of NEA’s Women Issues Committee'
- 3 'It all started with a red shirt and a desire to support my teachers.'
Do More
- 1 Sample School Board Policies for Student Success
- 2 Collaborating for Student Success
- 3 Supporting Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender Non-conforming Students
National Board Five Core Propositions Micro-Credentials
Are you considering becoming a candidate for National Board Certification? Learn the basics of each of the National Board Five Core Propositions and more with these these micro-credentials.
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Great public schools for every student
The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
