1. Applying for National Board Certification: What You Need to Know

2. What is National Board Certification?
Best PD EVER!
* Recognition of accomplished teaching * Evaluation by peers of teaching practices * Improved performance and achievement for students

3. NB Core Propositions
Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
Teachers are members of learning communities.
NB website. Foundation of process. DPI website shows correlation of NB and NC prof teaching standards.

4. The NBPTS Standards The standards are the backbone of the process!
Become familiar with them BEFORE you begin planning, teaching, or writing
You MUST consider the standards in your teaching, written description, analysis, and reflection
NB align with NC prof teaching standards

5. Helix – Architecture of Accomplished Teaching

6. National Board Certification Areas
25 Areas of Certification
Area suitable for almost every teacher

7. Pre-Requisite for WLOE
World Language candidates (WLOE) must now pass ACTFL writing and speaking proficiency tests.
More information is available at

8. Eligibility Criteria
Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university
Complete three years of successful teaching / counseling / working as a media specialist
Hold a valid teaching license
More info in Guide to NB certification on NB website.

9. Changes to the Process
The Certification Process was revised in
Candidates beginning the process in may complete the process and receive Certification in one to three school years.

10. Timeline All components are available for all candidates.
November or December 2018: Receive scores for components attempted in
Candidates may choose to take 3 years and complete the process in 2018.

11. New Certification Process
Component 1: Content Knowledge
Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction
Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment
Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner

12. Component 1: Content Knowledge
Computer-based testing environment
Full range of certification area
Content knowledge and pedagogical practices .

13. Component 1: Content Knowledge
Constructed Response (CRI)
3 exercises
30 minutes each
Selected Response (SRI)
45 items
minutes to complete this section

14. Component 1: Content Knowledge
40% of your overall score (split equally between CRI and SRI)
Read the detailed component instructions, scoring rubrics, and standards for your certification area at

15. Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction
Classroom-based portfolio entry
Analysis of student work samples
Written commentary analyzing your instructional choices

16. Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction
Read the detailed component instructions, scoring rubrics, and standards for your certification area at
Consider registering on MyTalent for the Differentiation Academy. More information is on our wiki at .
Differentiated Instruction support days are also available.

17. Component 3: Teaching Practice & Learning Environment
Classroom-based portfolio entry including video analysis
Focus on student engagement and impact on student learning

18. Component 3: Teaching Practice & Learning Environment
Video recordings of student interactions with peers and the teacher
Written commentaries describing, analyzing, and reflecting on your teaching and interactions with students

19. Component 3: Teaching Practice & Learning Environment
Read the detailed component instructions, scoring rubrics, and standards for your certification area at

20. Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner
Portfolio entry
Requires evidence of your use of data/assessments
to inform instruction
to address student needs and your professional
learning needs

21. Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner
Very complex component
Read the detailed component instructions, scoring rubrics, and standards for your certification area at

22. Floor Scores
In addition to meeting an overall cut score (which is TBD), a floor average score of 1.75 will be required on the Assessment Center (Component 1) and Portfolio (Components 2, 3 and 4) sections. The value of 1.75 sends the message to candidates and policymakers that: 1. National Board values both assessment center and portfolio aspects of teaching, and 2. Candidates cannot demonstrate little or no evidence of what each section measures to earn certification.

23. Floor Scores vs. Cut Scores
Floor scores represent the minimum allowable score for each of the following sections
Component 1 (testing center)
Components 2, 3, &4 (written entries)
Cut scores will be much higher than floor scores and will represent overall accomplished performance

24. Component One Floor Score
Candidates must earn a minimum average score of 1.75 on Component 1: Content Knowledge, which is also referred to as the Assessment Center Section.
The average score for the Assessment Center Section is based on averaging the un-weighted scores from the three constructed response exercises and the selected response section.

25. Portfolio Section Floor Score
Candidates must earn a minimum average score of 1.75 on Components 2, 3, and 4, which is also known as the Portfolio Section.
The average score for the Portfolio Section is based on averaging the un-weighted scores from the three referenced components.

26. Portfolio Section Scoring
Portfolio (Components 2, 3, and 4) – 60%
Final portfolio scores will be weighted as follows:
Differentiation in Instruction (C2) – 25%
Teaching Practice and Learning Environment (C3) – 50%
Reflective and Effective Practitioner (C4) – 25%
See the Scoring Guide for more information.

27. Barriers to Certification
Procrastination
Not following instructions
Ignoring the NB Helix and Standards
Ignoring the Scoring Rubrics
Lack of preparation for Component 1 (Assessment Center)

28. Cost of Certification
$75 non-refundable fee each school year of candidacy
$475 per component
Pay only for components that will be completed and submitted in that school year
All components must be attempted within 3 consecutive school years

29. In Order for NC to Loan You the Money …
You must be paid primarily from state funds.
Complete 3 years of teaching in NC Public Schools
Hold a clear, continuing NC teaching license
For more information, visit:
More info on DPI website

30. If You Apply for the Loan…
Apply at
Dr. Sonja Brown at .
She will review your loan application for approval.
Select and order at least one component.

31. Application Must Do’s
When applying on NB website, check "yes" to providing information to third-parties so NB can notify North Carolina & CMS of candidacy.  (Necessary for loan application, salary increase, and renewal credit processing.) 
Candidates also need to indicate Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as school district to facilitate processing of salary increase and renewal credit.

32. Application Must Do’s 123-45-1234
Include Social Security number when registering (needed for salary increase processing)

33. Support From the State Includes …
Professional leave: Up to three days paid (for state-funded candidates)
Full renewal credits: Completion of all the components (if you certify or not – CEUs are applied to transcript in the year you receive your final scores for all components)
Salary Differential: 12% of bachelor’s pay – review salary schedules at

34. CMS Support Program Drop-in support on early-release PD Days
Small-group (Saturday) meetings facilitated by National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs)
Drop-in support on early-release PD Days
Candidate Institutes
December (Winter Break)
February (during school hours)
April (Spring Break)
NBCT Readers
Held on Saturdays.

35. Retake Format
Candidates have three consecutive years to attempt all components and two more years to complete retakes.

36. Maintenance of Certification
Old Renewal Process – complete Profile of Professional Growth in 8th or 9th year
New Renewal Process – complete one component every 5 years (still under development)
New MOC begins in school year
Read more at

37. Are You Really Ready for National Board Certification?
Can I / Will I …
Be self-motivated and self-directed?
View myself as a teacher with high standards?
Reflect on my teaching practices in writing?
Articulate the rationale behind my teaching practices?
Not take on additional responsibilities which will take time away from the NB process?
Say that my family and friends will be supportive?
Enlist my school’s administration to support me?
Have easy access to a computer?

38. If You’re Ready, Your Next Steps…
Visit the National Board website for candidate information
Read the Guide to NB Certification
Study the 5 Core Propositions
Study the NBPTS Standards for your certification area

39. If You’re Ready, Your Next Steps…
Review the NB section on the DPI website
Download the detailed materials for your certification area and study them
Review the salary implications at

40. If You’re Ready, Your Next Steps…
Register for study groups in My Talent (See wiki for more information)
Review the Canvas courses – instructions are on the wiki.
Review the Scoring Guide.

41. If You’re Ready, Your Next Steps…
Apply online with National Board
Pay the $75.00 Annual Processing Fee and order at least one component
Apply for loan (if applicable)
Visit our wiki for more information for candidates.

42. If You Change Your Mind Once You Get Started …
See the Guide to National Board Certification for the withdrawal process
Also notify North Carolina and CMS
Timing is important

43. For More Information CMS National Board Wiki http://j.mp/NatBoard
TEACH
NC DPI National Board Office
CMS National Board Office Cherwell support at

44. Questions?
Thank you & Best Wishes!