Question:
Do you hope to achieve National Board Certification as a teacher? Have you started the official NBC process (or completed it)? Why or why not? (You may check the box to keep your response anonymous, if you wish).
Replies:
Rebecca Cronk - Mount Vernon, Ohio
I received my NB certification Nov.'97 in Early Adolescence English/Language Arts. Ten years later, I've completed the renewal process (Professional Profile) for another 10-year certificate. The process allowed me to measure my practice against a standard outside of my school district - an extremely rigorous and high standard. Todd Whitaker, in his terrific little book, What Great Teachers Do Differently, says that great teachers not only have high expectations for their students but for themselves as well. I found the whole process - both times - to be affirming. I have no regrets. I'd encourage other teachers to challenge themselves with the National Board process as well.
Terri Messing - Port Orchard, WA
I sure do hope I achieve National Board Certification. I missed my first chance by less than one point. I have retaken my exams this past spring, and I am hoping that I passed. I have become a better teacher since I have completed the process of National Board certification. However, I do not feel I was the best while I was going through the process. Too much time was spent on making sure my margins of my papers were exactly what was required, that my word choice was precise, and that the paperclips were in exactly the spot where they needed to be. Another part of the process I did not like was the fact that candiates do not receive feedback on how they can improve their portfolio entries. We are expected to give our students feedback all of the time, yet the national board process does not. All-in-all, I am glad I did it and I will do it again in ten years if it is still around.
TX
I have not been able to afford it and our state does not seem to encourage teachers to complete this process.
TX
I really wanted to and looked in to it several times, but was not able to afford it and for some reason our state does not seem to encourage teachers to complete this process.
Amanda - Harrisonville, MO
Yes, I do hope to achieve NBC, but I have not yet begun the process. I have often said education would do well to be more uniform like other professions. For example, lawyers don't have to pass the Bar in multiple states, and once a Doctor passes his or her Boards (s)he can practice anywhere. I believe if we want to be seen as a profession we must act like one and NBC is just one step in reaching that goal.
MountainMama - Charlotte, NC
I have not started this process but hope to next year. I understand that it will take a GREAT DEAL of TIME away from my time with my family. I also doubt myself and wonder if I have the endurance to stick with the process once I begin.
Sharon Kirby - Woodstock, GA
I am a National Board Certified teacher (AYA/Science). My first certification was in 1998 and I renewed in 2008. I encourage all teachers to go through the process. A friend of mine calls it the applied doctoral degree and I agree with her. The National Board process really makes you look at and analyze your teaching. It is well worth your time and money, even if your state does not support you. I wish you the best if you decide to go for your NB Certification.
NC
I would LOVE to get my National Board Certification but the process scares me. Really it is an understatement. I have two small children and have heard that it is extremly time consuming and very hard to accomplish if you have small children.
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