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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why is Temple University sponsoring this National Board Certification Center?
• Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell decided to make National Board Certification, including fee support, part of his education program.
• Currently four universities—Duquesne, Gannon, East Stroudsburg, and Temple—have been selected, based on an application process, to provide candidate preparation and support to interested teachers and state-licensed school counselors. The program is funded by the state.

Why should I participate in programs offered by the Center?
• Nationwide, statistics indicate that candidates for National Board Certification achieve certification at a higher rate than teachers/counselors who attempt certification on their own.
• Candidate preparation and support are provided to teachers/counselors at no cost.
• Candidates involved in Temple University's Center will have the opportunity to work with National Board Certified Teachers and Faculty and Staff from Temple University.

How do I become a candidate for National Board Certification?
• The application for National Board Certification is only available on line. Visit the National Board website at www.nbpts.org. Save and print the screen that tells you that you have successfully applied. That screen will have your name and some other information, including your candidate I. D. #. You will need copies of that form to apply for the state and federal funding.

If I decide to be a candidate, what will I have to do?
• Candidates for National Board Certification have to provide evidence of accomplished teaching in two ways.

  • Submission of a portfolio that includes four entries designed for the candidates to show evidence of the candidate meeting the National Board Standards:
    ► Two entries, including videotapes of selected portions of lessons, and written analysis of those lessons.
    ► One entry that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to analyze student work over time.
    ► One entry that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to work with parents, community members, and colleagues—as a learner, leader, and collaborator—and evidence of how those efforts impact student learning.
  • Respond to six timed, open-ended prompts designed for the candidate to demonstrate their depth and breadth of content knowledge.

If I teach in an unusual situation, or if I am a ‘content coach’ (reading, literacy, math, or science, for example) or a teacher of gifted students, am I eligible to become a candidate?
• It depends. The National Board certification is based on your ability to demonstrate accomplished teaching with students over a period of time. Please contact the Program Coordinator, Chris Sadjian-Peacock, csadjpea@temple.edu to discuss the specifics of your teaching situation.

What does it cost to become a candidate?
• The total fee for a candidate for National Board Certification is $2565.
• The Federal Government will pay $1250.
• The state of PA will pay $1250.
• There is a nonrefundable $65 processing charge due at the time of application.

How do I apply for the Federal and State fee support funding?
• First you need to become a candidate. Then the Center for Teaching Excellence will complete the paperwork needed for your funding.

The National Board website says that I have to pay a $500 nonrefundable fee. What is that?
• For candidates in other states that is true. But for candidates in Pennsylvania, that $500 is included in the part of the fee ($1250) that the state will pay.
• DO NOT pay the $500 at this time. If you have already paid, notify Temple's Center coordinator for information on getting a refund.

I've heard that National Board Certification fees will be fully paid for 500 candidates, half by federal dollars and half by the state of Pennsylvania. What happens if more than 500 teachers want to apply?
• Currently, there are fewer than 225 candidates in Pennsylvania seeking National Board certification. It is not likely that either fund will be depleted in the near future.

What if I attempted and did not achieve certification?
•   You have three years to achieve certification. There will be supports put in place for advanced candidates.

How long does the candidacy take?
• Like any other quality professional development opportunity, the time required for the candidate to demonstrate proficiency will vary. It is a one- to three-year process.
• Please see the National Board Q & A Booklet for 2007 certification or the National Board website for specific timeline on the process.

Is my certificate permanent?
• The life of the certification is 10 years. A renewal process is available.

What is the Candidate Support Program?
• A series of workshops and working session that walk the candidate through and demystify the certification process.

When will the preparation classes be offered?
• Sessions will be offered in the summer, fall, and winter. See the list of options for location and times on Temple's website www.temple.edu/education/CTE

Who will facilitate the sessions?
• The sessions will be facilitated by several National Board Certified Teachers.

Are the sessions mandatory?
• The sessions are all voluntary.  They are available to provide candidates with support and additional information about the assessment process