Why Certify as a National Board Certified Teacher?

There are many reasons to become board-certified, including benefits for teachers, students, and their schools.

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Evidence shows that Board-certified teachers prove their effectiveness in the classroom every day:

• Students learn more. A decade of research shows that students of Board-certified teachers learn more than their peers without Board-certified teachers. Studies have also found that the positive impact of having a Board-certified teacher is even greater for minority and low-income students.
• Teachers improve their practice. Board Certification allows teachers to hone their practice, showcase their talent in the classroom and demonstrate their dedication to their students and their profession.
• Schools demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Schools with National Board Certified Teachers are characterized by better teacher morale and retention and increased community involvement. Districts and schools that want to drive student learning recognize the power of Board certification and are taking steps to empower and raise the status of accomplished teachers.
• Board Certification Opens Doors.  Board-certified teachers are often given opportunities to have an impact way beyond their individual classrooms. Second, because Board-certified teachers are recognized as experts, they are often sought out for leadership positions in their schools and districts. Third, in significant numbers, NBCTs serve as team leaders, department chairs, and instructional coaches. Many NBCTs move on to serve as school and district administrators or within the state department of education.

Are There Financial Benefits to Certification in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s new contract with teachers offers significant, enduring financial benefits for teachers who gain National Board certification. (Please note that benefits may differ for school counselors.) The contract states:

1. Upon certification, The School District shall reimburse classroom teachers up to twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) for application fees and expenses incurred in applying for National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification.
2. During the initial application process for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification, the School District shall provide up to one (1) day of substitute service for a classroom teacher within thirty (30) days before their portfolios are due. The teacher must request the day of substitute service at least two (2) weeks in advance.
3. All teachers who receive certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards shall be given an annual bonus of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00) for the length of their certification.

In addition, many Districts in the Philadelphia Area provide financial incentives. Please check with your Human Resource Department to check.

Where Can I Read More About the National Board Process?

For more information please read the Guide to National Board Certification

Interested in Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher?

Requirements:

• You must have completed three full years of teaching on an Instructional I Certification and possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. World Languages candidates must provide official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) certified ratings of Advanced Low or higher from ACTFL speaking and writing proficiency assessments
• You must attend an NBPTS Information Session.  Sessions are held during the spring of each year. To be notified of dates and times, please contact Linlin Wang at linlin.wang@temple.edu.