1. How the NBCT Process Changed my Life Christina Delk, Heidi Givens, and Melissa VanZant

2. Eligibility At least three years experience as a pre- K-12 teacher in a public or private school A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution A valid teaching license

3. Exceptional Needs Specialist: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Birth to age 21+ Knowledge of the effects of hearing loss on students’ lives, development, and the learning process Must have access to three special needs students for the portfolio entries

4. Certification Process Two-part assessment: 4 portfolio entries and 6 assessment center exercises Can be completed in one year, with up to three years to certify Is based on the standards in each certification area

5. Exceptional Needs Specialist standards I. Knowledge of Students II. Knowledge of Special Education III. Communication IV. Diversity V. Knowledge of subject matter VI. Meaningful learning VII. Multiple paths to knowledge VIII. Social development IX. Assessment X. Learning environment XI. Instructional resources XII. Family partnerships XIII. Reflective practice XIV. Contributing to the profession

6. Assessment : Demonstrating the Standards Four Portfolio Entries Includes videos of large and small group classroom practices Requires student work samples Six Assessment Center Exercises Are delivered at a computer-based testing center Are timed, with open-response prompts

7. Exceptional Needs Specialist Portfolio Entries Entry 1: Assessment Informs Instruction Entry 2: Fostering Communications Development Entry 3: Enhancing Social Development Entry 4: Documented Accomplishments

8. Exceptional Needs Specialist Assessment Center Exercises Exercise 1: Behavior Analysis and Intervention (DHH Specific) Exercise 2: Science and Mathematics Exercise 3: Social Studies and the Arts Exercise 4: Transition Planning (DHH Specific) Exercise 5: Health/PE/Leisure Exercise 6: Professional Vocabulary (DHH Specific)

9. Steps to Begin Your Journey Apply $65 application fee Initial $500 payment Start portfolio Submit Eligibility forms due Dec 31 Remaining $2000 due Jan 31 Portfolio due March 31 Assessment Center Exercises done by June 15

10. NBCT KY Incentive and Rewards Salary Supplements- $2000 a year for the life of the certificate (10 years) Fee supports- Upon certification 75% of the $2500 initial fee less any scholarships, federal subsidies, etc. Rank change Participation as a mentor

11. Why we Pursued Our NBCT in DHH and How it Effected Us Heidi’s experience… Christy’s experience… Melissa’s experience…