FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NOTE :: Various file formats are used on this page that may require download. If larger than 1mb, it will take longer to download. For instructions or more information, please visit our download page.


How do I learn about the National Board Process?

General information can be found at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/recruitment/nationalboardcertification/ or by calling 1-800-22-TEACH (800.228.3224)
Information on North Carolina funding can be found at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/recruitment/nationalboardcertification/application/.


Which certificates are available?

There are many certificates available. New certificates were unveiled in 2003. Low Demand certificates were placed on hold in 2003. Go to http://www.nbpts.org/for_candidates/certificate_areas for a complete listing of available certificates.


When can I receive state funding for the application fee?

North Carolina will accept applications for state funding of the assessment fee from March 1, 2009 - October 31, 2009. This date will not be extended because all portfolios must be postmarked on or before March 31, 2010.


How will North Carolina support my efforts to achieve National Board Certification?

  • The state will pay the full assessment fee for all eligible NC candidates.
  • Each state funded candidate will be provided 3 days of professional leave. (The leave must be scheduled and approved by the candidate's supervisor.)
  • All candidates who complete the NBPTS process receive one renewal cycle for their teaching license (The renewal includes reading and technology requirements.) All renewal credits must be used during one renewal cycle and cannot be split between renewal cycles.


Who is eligible for state funding?

Under the current legislation, candidates are eligible for funding if they:

  • are state paid teachers
  • have taught three years in North Carolina Public Schools (This includes DOC, DHHR, the University of NC, or schools affiliated with UNC.)
  • hold a valid, North Carolina Teaching license, and
  • have not previously received State funds for participating in the NBPTS assessment. (If a candidate received funding, withdrew from the process and fulfilled the repayment obligations, he/she can be funded again.)
  • engage in direct classroom instruction, library/media or school counseling work 70 % of the time over the course of the academic year.


Are there any obligations attached to state funding?

Yes, candidates who ask for and receive state funding agree to:

  • Complete all components of both the portfolio and the assessment exercises during the year for which they are funded (completion equals obtaining scores for all 10 entries/exercises).
  • Teach for one full year in a North Carolina public school immediately following the assessment year.
    If a candidate does not fulfill these requirements, he/she is obligated to repay all or part of the assessment fee depending on the date of withdrawal. North Carolina has a wavier process for extraordinary conditions that may prevent you from completing the process. For additional information contact Beth Edwards.


Are candidates allowed to complete parts of the portfolio in year one and do the remaining parts as a retake candidate?

All state funded candidates agreed to the North Carolina Promissory Note which states that they must complete the process (all components) or repay the state $2500.00. NBPTS provides a completer report of all candidates to verify status.

Promissory Note
(doc, 34kb)


What is the timeline for payment of the assessment fee by the state to NBPTS?

Payment transmittals are requested once every two weeks. Candidates can anticipate receiving their "box" from NBPTS approximately six (6) weeks after the initial application for and receipt of funding by North Carolina. Information will be posted to your NBPTS account once the "box" is mailed from NBPTS.


What do I do if I need to withdraw from the process?

Withdrawal from National Board Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) process.


How long do I have to pay back the assessment fee if I withdraw from the process?

Candidates have 120 days from the date of withdrawal to repay the fee. Payments can be arranged by contacting Beth Edwards at 919.807.3358.


If I am a state funded teacher and I want to use the leave provided for this purpose, what information do I need to give the school office when I request a substitute?

When requesting a substitute teacher for NBPTS professional leave, the substitute is to be paid under PRC 11 and coded to 5100-011-182 or 5200-011-182 depending on how the teacher is normally coded. The finance officer in the district has the necessary information to process the request correctly. The leave should be coded as professional leave with pay. The state provides three days of leave which may be used to attend NCCAT, to work on the portfolio or to attend the assessment center.


Where can I find candidate support in my area?

Many local school systems, organizations and local universities provide candidate support for teachers. Candidate support varies from one-on-one mentor coaches to large group overview sessions. NCCAT also provides a comprehensive candidate support session. Contact your local school district NBC Coordinator for information on local support.


How may I attend National Board support sessions at NCCAT?

NC provides NCCAT with the names of those candidates who have applied for National Board Certification. Candidates are randomly selected by NCCAT to attend one of their NBC support sessions. NCCAT pays for the candidate's substitute for three days of the five day seminar. The additional two days may be covered by the state funded NBC professional leave. For more information, visit http://www.nccat.org


What happens if I do not achieve National Board Certification?

Candidates who do not achieve certification on the first attempt are allowed to bank their scores for two years. These candidates resubmitted entries are scored. The new score replaces the old score and when the candidates achieve a composite score of 275, they are National Board Certified. North Carolina provides funding for retake candidates who are eligible through the subsidy grant provided by the US Department of Education.


Are there different qualifications for School Counselors?

School counselors must have three years of counseling experience before they can apply for NBPTS certification. Candidates must hold a valid state license as a school counselor for each of the three years of employment being verified. To be eligible for state funding the candidate seeking certification in Counseling must also have three years of experience in North Carolina Public Schools. School Counselors must meet the North Carolina requirements for a clear license in Counseling.


How are Charter School employees affected by National Board Certification 12% pay differential?

All teachers teaching in Charter Schools are encouraged to check with your school administration as to any salary differentials offered for National Board certification. The state continues to provide funding to Charter School Teachers to cover the assessment cost, per meeting eligibility criteria. However, each charter school has discretion as to any salary adjustments.

 

For additional information contact Beth Edwards, NC National Board Certification Program Coordinator at 919.807.3358.