Frequently Asked Questions
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What is National Board Certification? Top | Back to FAQs
National Board Certification is a demonstration of teaching practice as measured against high and rigorous standards. It is a symbol of commitment to excellence in teaching. Offered on a voluntary basis to teachers with at least three years of teaching experience, the system of National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing. Information about the candidacy process is available at http://www.nbpts.org.

What is expected of candidates for National Board Certification? Top | Back to FAQs
All National Board for Professional Teaching Standards assessments consist of two major parts, the portfolio entries and the assessment center exercises. While the specific directions to candidates vary from one assessment to another, the major parts of the assessments are stable over all certificate areas currently offered. A candidate has one to three years to achieve certification, although all entries must be submitted within the first schedule on a schedule dictated by NBPTS. Teachers report that they spend up to 400 hours in the candidate process in the first year.

The portfolio entries are completed in the teacher's classroom and include a videotape, student work, and other teaching artifacts. The video and student work are supported by commentaries on the goals and purposes of instruction, reflections on what occurred, the effectiveness of the practice, and the rationale for a candidate’s professional judgment. Portfolios are designed to take at least four months to complete.

The assessment center exercises are designed to complement the portfolio and are organized around challenging teaching issues. This aspect of the certification process is designed to provide an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in situations across the age range and topics of the certificate field.

The assessment center entries consist of exercises that are focused on pedagogical and content knowledge. These entries often ask candidates to respond to specific prompts. The exercises may be simulations of situations to which teachers typically must respond or explorations of particular questions on pedagogical and/or content topics and issues.

Is there a bonus for National Board Certified Teachers in Arkansas? Top | Back to FAQs
Yes. Act 1803 of 2003 provides a bonus of $5,000 as of the 2005-2006 school year. A bonus is paid annually to any NBCT in Arkansas who continues to be employed in accordance with legislative provisions governing bonus eligibility (currently up to ten years). Over 50 Arkansas public school districts offer additional incentives for National Board certification. View the districts and incentives here: Arkansas Public School NBPTS Incentives - PDF Jan. 15, 2008

What is the cost of National Board Candidacy? Top | Back to FAQs
The application fee for National Board certification is $2,500 with an additional $65 registration fee paid online at the NBPTS Web site.  State fee support is available (see below).

What is the application process for state fee support? Top | Back to FAQs
Arkansas legislation has authorized the Arkansas Department of Education to provide payment of the initial certification fee and to pay for three days of released time for teachers seeking National Board Certification. A potential Arkansas National Board candidate who wants state support must attend an ADE orientation in order to receive the application for state fee support.  Orientation attendance does not guarantee funding since the process is competitive.

Whom do I contact for information? Top | Back to FAQs
Michael Rowland, NBPTS Program Advisor
Office of Teacher Quality
Arkansas Department of Education
501 Woodlane, Suite 220 C
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: 501-682-1146
Fax: 501-682-5118

Who is eligible to apply for National Teacher Certification? Top | Back to FAQs
A teacher who

• has three or more years of classroom teaching in an Arkansas public school prior to candidacy
• is currently engaged in direct classroom instruction with students according to Act 1060 of 2001, Section 1(a)(1)
• graduated from an accredited college or university
• possesses a valid Arkansas standard teaching license
• can complete the certification process in one to three years
• is able to support the cost of retake entries if state funding is not available or to repay state funds expended if certification is not achieved
• has a certificate area suitable to current teaching assignment, education, and experience
• has never received funding from any state for National Board certification

Is National Board Certification renewable? Top | Back to FAQs
A National Board certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of certification. NBPTS policy states that a certificate may be renewed.