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What is National Board Certification?

National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education. Completion of National Board Certification signifies that a teacher has demonstrated the advanced knowledge, skills and practices required of an outstanding professional. 

Created for teachers, by teachers, National Board Certification is performance-based and peer reviewed. Certification is available in 25 certificate areas from Pre-K through 12th grade in 16 disciplines.

National Board Certification Five Core Propositions

  1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
  2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
  3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
  4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
  5. Teachers are members of learning communities.

Four Components of Certification

  • Content knowledge as evidenced by assessment center.
  • Differentiation in instruction as evidenced by reflection on student work and portfolio.
  • Teaching practice and classroom environment as evidenced by video recordings and portfolio.
  • Effective and reflective practitioner as evidenced by student/professional needs, use of assessment data and portfolio.

Eligibility

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree with the exception of career and technical education teachers who must meet the licensure requirements for the state.
  • As of September 19, 2022, candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and a valid state teaching or school counseling license may begin the certification process before having completed three years of full-time teaching/counseling. (NOTE: Candidates for the Career and Technical Education certificate are required to hold a bachelor’s degree only if their state requires one for their current license).
  • Possess a valid state teaching or counseling license with the exception of situations where a license is not required or you have taught in a school recognized and approved to operate by the state.

ISTA Supports National Board Certification 

ISTA is dedicated to increasing the number of National Board Certified Teachers in Indiana. ISTA offers a variety of financial support and online and in-person resources to help members achieve National Board Certification.

Some resources include intensive Jump Start Academies, candidate mentoring and Homestretch Seminars. Contact Angela Miller for more information or to schedule a workshop in your area.

ISTA Workshops

Exploring National Board Workshops

This presentation provides a brief overview of the National Board Certification process and resources made available through ISTA. Please feel free to arrange a presentation for members who are interested by contacting Angela Miller amiller@ista-in.org

Presentation

Exploring National Board Certification

National Board Jump Start Academies

ISTA staff and National Board Certified Teachers provide candidates with extensive information about the certification process that is intended to jump start the journey. Candidates engage in intensive work that provides specific requirements, successful strategies, relevant exercises and useful resources – all in a supportive, constructive and collegial environment. Participants will earn PGP points.

Calendar

National Board Homestretch Seminars

Current National Board candidates will receive feedback and guidance from ISTA staff and National Board Certified Teachers on components 2, 3 and 4 prior to the spring component submission.

Calendar

ISTA Foundation National Board Certification Scholarship

This scholarship is open to ISTA members who are candidates for National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Awards

National Board Certification Mentor Support

ISTA is committed to providing individualized support to National Board candidates during the initial process and for renewal and maintenance of certification. Candidates who are interested in working with current National Board Certified Teachers need to complete the National Board Mentor Request form. Mentors will be assigned as requests are received.

This work is made possible by a grant from the National Education Association's (NEA) Great Public Schools (GPS) Grant Fund. GPS Fund Grants are awarded to help enhance the quality of public education by developing, implementing and leading an agenda that engages NEA members and allies in work that emphasizes student-centered success through union led efforts. 

The NEA is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. Learn more at nea.org