National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) program at Washington State University (WSU) offers peer collaboration, networking, and mentoring support to teachers across Washington who are interested in becoming National Board Certified.
Teachers who have completed the WSU NBPTS program have consistently exceeded the national and state certification rates as first-time candidates. Teachers may opt for six graduate semester-credits that may be applied to an advanced degree or 90 clock hours through the WSU NBPTS program.
National Board Certification through WSU offers:
- A minimum of 90 contact hours with facilitator(s)/cohort
- Local delivery throughout the state (contact Debra Pastore to start a cohort in your area)
- National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) led cohorts
- Connection with NBCTs from each certificate area
- A Candidate Orientation to introduce candidates to the National Board process
- Flexible meeting schedule created locally to meet the needs of individual cohorts
- Employs a program director with comprehensive NBPTS knowledge and experience
Online NBPTS Support Program
WSU offers an online NBPTS support program targeted toward teachers whose geographical location might prevent them from pursuing National Board Certification. WSU has recognized the need to provide a National Board support program for teachers not located close to a university who would otherwise invest many hours traveling to and from cohort meetings. The online program will require two face-to-face meetings throughout the year and attendance at the WEA sponsored Jump Start and Home Stretch. Please contact Debra Pastore for admittance to the online NBPTS program.
WSU NBPTS Timeline
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January |
Teachers apply for Washington Initiative scholarship through OSPI |
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March |
Washington Initiative scholarships awarded to teachers |
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April - May |
Candidates review university NBPTS programs and register with their support provider |
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June |
Washington State University (WSU) NBPTS program begins with the Candidate Orientation |
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July |
WSU NBPTS candidates meet once during each of the summer months to develop a thorough understanding of the National Board process, construct an individual timeline for completion, begin gathering evidence, and writing their entries |
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September |
Candidates meet with their National Board Certified Teacher facilitators in a cohort setting twice a month and work toward developing the 4 required entries in their portfolio providing evidence of impact on student learning |
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January |
Candidates meet in their support groups 2 or 3 times a month further refining their evidence of impact on student learning |
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March 31st |
Portfolios due at the National Board for assessment |
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April 15th |
Take One entries due at NBPTS |
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April |
Candidates prepare for the Assessment Center exercises where they are tested on content knowledge in six areas related to their Certificate area |
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June 15th |
Deadline/last day for completing Assessment Center exercises |
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December 31st |
Candidates notified by December 31st of certification status |
NBPTS requires teachers who apply for certification to develop a portfolio of their teaching practice through written and electronically recorded (DVD) entries providing evidence of impact on student learning. Teachers are also tested on their content knowledge through computer-based assessment center exercises. The National Board offers certification in 25 different areas, which are based on student age and/or content area. Teachers report, on average, working 250-350 hours outside the classroom preparing for National Board assessment.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization rooted in the belief that the single most important action this country can take to improve schools and student learning is to strengthen teaching. The organization's mission is to advance the quality of teaching and learning by maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do, providing a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards, and advocating related education reforms.
To encourage teachers in Washington State to apply for NBPTS certification, the Washington Initiative for National Board Teacher Certification supports candidates with scholarships. Upon achieving National Board Certification, teachers will receive an annual $5,000 bonus from the state of Washington each year they remain in the classroom or as a principal for the life of the certificate (10 years) and renew their Washington credential for life of the certificate. In addition to this stipend, teachers/principals in high-needs schools: (elementary 70% FRPL, middle school 60% FRPL, and high school 50% FRPL) will receive an additional $5,000 annual bonus for the life of the National Board certificate.
For information on the WEA sponsored “Jump Start” and “Home Stretch” please visit the Washington Education Association.
Professional Certification at WSU »
To learn more about the Professional Certification program in general, visit the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. ProCert at OSPI
NBPTS contact:
Debra
Pastore, Director
National Board Certification
Professional Certification
College of Education
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-2114
Phone: 509-335-7475
Fax: 509-335-7363
dpastore@wsu.edu
Quick links
- Registration for National Board Certification »
- Candidate Orientation »
- WSU NBPTS program fees & due dates »
- Take One program »