National Board Certification

The National Board Certification Teacher program allows teachers to hone their practice, showcase their talent in the classroom, and demonstrate their dedication to their students and their profession. Research shows that National Board Certified Teachers have a greater impact on student learning and achievement than non NBCT teachers. Candidates say the NBCT process is the best professional development in which they have participated.

Requirements To Apply

● Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (including Career Technical teachers).
● Hold a valid state teaching license (or meet the licensure requirements established by your state for a school counselor if applying for the ECYA/School Counseling certificate) for each of the three years of employment you verify.

● NEW Policy Change 9/19/22: Educators no longer have to complete three years of successful teaching in order to apply. While this change allows educators to begin the process earlier, educators will need to complete three successful years of teaching employment in one or more early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary schools to become Board-certified.

Deadline to register:  February 3, 2025

NBCT consists of four components: 

Component 1 (40%): Content Knowledge
Computer-based assessment measuring developmentally appropriate content knowledge and pedagogical practices in the chosen certificate area
• Three constructed response items – 30 minutes to complete each
• 45 selected response items – the time allotted varies by certificate area, but will be no fewer than 60 minutes.
The testing window is usually open from early April - mid June.

Component 2 (15%): Differentiation in Instruction
Highlights ability to evaluate learning strengths and needs for individual students; plan and implement appropriate instruction; and analyze and modify strategies and materials based on ongoing assessment.
Classroom-based portfolio entry:
• Samples of student work that demonstrate the students’ growth over time
• An accompanying written commentary that analyzes the candidate’s instructional choices.

Component 3 (30%): Teaching Practice and Learning
Environment
Highlights how candidates engage students and impact their learning as well as addressing issues of equity
Classroom-based portfolio entry:
• Video recordings of interactions between candidates and their students.
• Two written commentaries, in which the candidate describes, analyzes and reflects on their teaching and interactions

Component 4 (15%): Effective and Reflective Practitioner
Highlights understanding of assessments and assessment practices to plan for/positively impact student learning
Portfolio entry information gathered from many sources:
• Demonstrating practices with a class of students
• Evidence of collaboration with families, community, and colleagues
• Candidate’s contributions to learning communities to advance student growth. 

What does it cost? 

• First year candidates pay the $75 registration fee

• Second & third year candidates pay the $75 registration fee - you will be reimbursed

• Candidates have three consecutive years to take all four components and five years to successfully pass all four components

• Component Fee $475 each

• Each component fee will be paid by CCS as long as the participant attends ALL of their Cohort Meetings.

• CCS will fund no more than two components per academic year

• CCS will fund five components per candidate

• CCS will fund Maintenance of Certificate for NBCTs eligible for renewal

Cohort Meetings (Support Sessions):

Support sessions will run from 4:15 – 6:15 p.m.

Support sessions will be held in person (subject to change)

If the candidate has only one component remaining (including retakes), they must attend at least three out of the six support sessions.

If the candidate has two to four components remaining (including retakes), they must attend at least four out of the six support sessions.

Support sessions will be on the following dates:
November 13, 2024
January 15, 2025
February 5, 2025
March 13, 2025
April 10, 2025
May 8, 2025

CCS NBCT Stipend 

CCS National Board Certified Teachers are eligible to receive a $1,500 stipend yearly from the Columbus Board of Education for presentations as established in the Columbus Education Association Master Agreement (908.01 and 908.02). In order to receive the stipend, NBCTs must complete the presentation guidelines, requirements, and meet presentation deadlines each year in which they apply to receive the stipend.

Completion of NBCT = 18 CEUs! 

Stipend Information 

NBCT Stipend Information 2024-25

For More Information 

• For more information, please visit the NBPTS website -  National Board Certification 

NBCT Canvas Course  https://ccsoh.instructure.com/courses/77355

Considering Pursuing NBCT?

Interested in pursuing your National Board Certification?

Please contact Stacie Dieffenderfer at SDieffenderfer4400@columbus.k12.oh.us or 380-997-5784.