New National Board Support Resource

UNCW Watson School of Education
National Board Certification Support Program
SELF-GUIDED SUPPORT WORKBOOK
Available Now!!
www.uncw.edu/ed/nbct (for order form)

Since 2001, the UNCW Watson School of Education has supported National Board candidates at all stages of the journey, from pre-candidacy through the initial candidate process and into more advanced stages of candidacy, including certificate renewal. During this time, the participants in the Watson School program have provided overwhelming positive feedback on their growth as both candidates and teachers as a result of the support offered. This workbook, based on the UNCW Watson School of Education support program, provides meaningful, self-paced support to those candidates who are not involved in candidate support or who prefer to work individually. The steps in the book are not specific to one certificate area, but guide the thinking and growth of candidates in areas that are pertinent to all content and development certificates. The Watson School has served over 1,000 candidates from several states and dozens of school systems, and the strategies highlighted in this self-paced guide have been found to be universally beneficial.



Beth Metcalf, NBCT
Teacher-in-Residence
University of North Carolina Wilmington

Release of Scores for 2009 candidates

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has announced that NBPTS scores will be released on Friday, November 20, 2009. Please visit www.nbpts.org for additional information regarding score release procedures and candidate feedback. Feedback will be provided to candidates with a score of 2.74 or lower on a portfolio entry.
Please visit the following link for additional information.
http://www.nbpts.org/for_candidates/scoring/score_release_-_accessin

SCORES WILL BE RELEASED FRIDAY!!!

NBPTS has announced that score release will occur on Friday, November 20, 2009. Check www.nbpts.org for directions on how to check your profile and receive your scores.

Congratulations to all of our NBCT's who have renewed

Congratulations to all of those NBCT's who have recently renewed!!!! Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of New Hanover County and to the profession. If you have renewed your National Board Certification this year please respond to this blog post so that we can recognize and celebrate with you!!!!

***Retake funding applications will be available November 15, 2009. All retake applications must be completed no later than February 17. The State will fund one retake per candidate. The retake fee is $350 per entry or assessment exercise. North Carolina receives an annual federal subsidy grant from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to fund retake candidates. Click here to learn more about retake funding!

Deadline to apply is October 31, 2009

The deadline for first time candidate applications is October 31, 2009. All interested teachers must have an application on file with the Department of Public Instruction by this date. The deadline for DPI payment is December 31, 2009. If teachers have an application with the state, I am able to continue working on eligibility and payment through December. Teachers are capable of tracking their payment by visiting http://nbpts.dpi.state.nc.us. The date on their status report indicates when I have requested payment. Payment is taking up to 6 weeks or longer to reach NBPTS. Therefore, it is important that your candidates download their materials (standards, portfolio directions and assessment information) to begin working on the process of certification.

Free NBPTS Fall Webinars!

October 2, 2009

Announcing the free NBPTS Fall Webinars!


Invest in Yourself

Thursday, October 8, 2009

4:00 pm eastern time/1:00 pm pacific time
OR
7:00 pm eastern time/4:00 pm pacific time

Attention teachers and guidance counselors! Join us for an information session on National Board Certification. You've heard the buzz about "the best professional development experience ever" - now find out how to get started on your National Board journey!

Please note: This session is being held twice to accommodate more schedules. You only need to attend one of the sessions, so choose whichever one that best suits your day.

Register for 4:00 pm eastern time session
or
Register for 7:00 pm eastern time session


________________________________________
NBPTS Renewal- The Profile of Professional Growth

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

7:00 pm eastern time

Have you achieved National Board Certification? Already looking toward renewal in your eighth or ninth year? Join "renewed" NBCTs as they share the process of how to compile and submit your Profile of Professional Growth.

Click here to register for this webinar

National Board Support Sessions for 2009-2010

The New Hanover County National Board Support Sessions for 2009-2010 candidates have been posted on the Professional Development Website. Go to NHCS homepage, departments, Professional Development, National Boards and then support sessions.
You can also access the schedule by clicking HERE!
Please contact Kim O'Briant if you have any questions: kobriant@nhcs.net

Legislation changes regarding National Board funding

The deadline for requesting State funding for applications for National Board certification is October 31, 2009. In 2009-10, there is state funding for the National Board application fee. However, per SB202 Section 7.30(a), beginning in 2010-11, the application fee will no longer be paid by the State. Eligible candidates will be able to take out a loan for the funds through the State Education Assistance Authority. For more information in National Board application process, go to http://www.ncpublicschools.org/recruitment/nationalboardcertification/

The application window for RENEWAL has opened

The application window for RENEWAL candidates officially opened September 1st 2009. Please see the link below to check the year you may need to renew. The window for 2010 RENEWAL candidates closes December 31st 2009.
There will be an overview session on the Renewal Process held October 29th from 4-5 pm in the Spencer Board Lounge.

My National Board Renewal Timeline

National Board Renewal at a Glance

APPLY NOW!!!!! Latest on NC National Board Funding

Yesterday we got the word that we can reopen the application process and that the state will pay for all candidates this year. This is the last opportunity for this because the Legislature has declared that the National Board program will convert to a loan program in 2010. With this news in mind, I urge you to spread the word far and wide using all your social networking tools. DPI has already opened the National Board site for candidate applications, but remind teachers that they must first apply at www.nbpts.org, get a candidate ID number, and then click on the NC application site. Completion of the NC promissory note triggers payment of the application fee by the state. If a teacher fails to complete that legal document, the state will not pay the fee.
If teachers are not paid with state funds (or even if they are), they may want to consider asking to have the application fee paid with Title I or Title II funds. Districts will be getting much more funding for Title I this year because of the federal stimulus money. 10% of Title I funds are to be used for professional development.
NC’s application deadline remains Oct. 31. We’re off to a bit of a late start this year, but this is North Carolina, and we can always achieve more. If we all invite teachers to consider National Board Certification, we can make the opportunity available to every teacher who wants it. Thank you for your help in spreading the word.
Karen Garr
Regional Outreach Director
NBPTS
O: 919-828-1236
C: 919-637-8868

National Board Funding Updates August 16, 2009

On Friday, August 7, 2009, the 2009-2010 budget was approved. For specific information regarding NBC, please read below.

• The 12% NBCT pay incentive remains in the legislation. (A reduction has not been discussed.)
• Candidates (2009-2010) ,who currently have a funding application with NC, will be funded by the state. This payment has been requested and is expected to be paid over the next few weeks.
• Candidates will be permitted to take three days of paid release time to work on the assessment, upon administrator approval.
• The "cap" of 1,320 candidates has been lifted; however,funding was not appropriated to pay for additional candidates.
• The Department of Public Instruction will meet with NBPTS staff on August 20, 2009,to discuss funding sources that will allow for additional 2009-2010 candidates.
• The NC funding application remains closed until additional funds are identified. However, interested teachers may want to seek guidance from their school districts regarding local funding options.
• Beginning in 2010-2011, North Carolina will loan the $2500 to teachers who pursue NBC. Teachers will repay this loan over a three year period. Loan details have not yet been developed.
• Following the meeting between DPI and NBPTS on 8/20, I will have additional information regarding funding options.

Information received from Elizabeth Edwards on August 15, 2009

National Board Funding for 2009-2010 Candidates

NBPTS Application Costs: Effective 7/1/10, the application fee will no longer be paid by the State. Eligible candidates are able to take out a loan for the funds through the State Education Assistance Authority. More information regarding the loan program will follow.

Funding Update

On July 21, 2009, DPI temporarily discontinued the acceptance of new NBC funding applications. Teachers who attempt to apply for National Board Certification by visiting www.nbpts.org, are now directed to visit the link http://nbpts.dpi.state.nc.us for important information regarding funding assistance for National Board Certification before proceeding with their application. At this point, they will read the following message: "The NC General Assembly is still at work crafting a budget. DPI cannot pay the assessment fee for any National Board Certification candidates until the budget has passed. Both the amount of money that will be appropriated for National Board Certification and the question of whether a cap on candidate numbers will be imposed are still unclear at this time. For these reasons, DPI will temporarily stop accepting candidate applications. DPI will post an announcement on this site once the General Assembly has finished its deliberations and has announced a budget.

To learn more about the deliberations of the General Assembly, go to http://www.ncleg.net/. If you have already applied to be a candidate, you may begin studying the standards for your certificate area and begin work on your portfolio even before your fee is paid. All of the information for candidates is at http://www.nbpts.org/.

Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Latest on National Board Funding for 2009-2010

Here is a message from Karen Garr regarding National Board PURPOSED funding.

June 26, 2009
This e-mail provides an update on the status of the proposed legislation pertaining to the National Board Certification program in North Carolina. First, I have been told that many NBCTs and candidates have contacted their legislators to explain the benefits of the National Board Certification program and how their proposed changes would affect the program in the future. Second, changes in the proposed program are being considered and will continue to be considered for the next several days (with the budget writers meeting privately).

When the latest version of the proposed K-12 education budget was released on Monday, June 21, there were changes in the recommendation for the National Board Certification program, as follows:
$3.3 million will be provided for applicant fees in 2009-10.
The three days of release time for candidates will be eliminated.
There is a cap on the number of candidates totaling 1,320.
A loan program will be instituted in 2010-11.

NOTE: The 12% stipend for NBCTs remains untouched at this time.

Third, a number of NBCTs have met with legislators.

The messages they are sharing are:
Appreciation for the continued funding and for the fee payment this year
A request that legislators not cap the candidate numbers in case we are able to get funding for fee payments from other sources
A request that the special provision (under consideration) regarding National Board fee support be open to a number of options rather than limited only to a loan program. NOTE: NBCTs have indicated that they would like to provide input about how North Carolina can continue to provide fee support in addition to the option of a loan program.In the meeting on June 21, one of the most vocal supporters of the National Board program was Sen. Dan Blue from Wake County. Senator Blue questioned changes and asked at one point, "Are we saying we can't afford our best teachers?"Here are the some of the points teachers are using when talking about the National Board:
We have been the model for the nation.
National Board Certification makes a difference in student learning and in teacher retention. (National Research Council report, available at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102623646784&s=106224&e=001IaHtYCpsZmmJUBiMZo1Xlp5hcxeG5ebLiyKQDHurzWcLyu9uR1DQQn-xNU07d2TqCuKApHx8n_GCkoLeSFKBs54yVBrAus_uo1ar2-r3tsA=)
The new Secretary of Education Arne Duncan supports National Board Certification. (See quotations at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102623646784&s=106224&e=001IaHtYCpsZmmJUBiMZo1Xlp5hcxeG5ebLiyKQDHurzWcLyu9uR1DQQn-xNU07d2TqCuKApHx8n_GCkoLeSFKBs54yVBrAus_uo1ar2-r3tsA=)
This is the only pay-for-performance plan still in existence in NC. The legislature is recommending a freeze on the ABC program.
This is the only vehicle teachers have for increasing their pay because a freeze in the salary schedule has been recommended. If you would like to volunteer to contact your legislators about the National Board Certification program in North Carolina, go here for contact information.

Senators who are in key decision making positions on the budget are:
Co-Chairman Sen. Tony Foriest Co-Chairman Sen. Richard Stevens Vice Chairman Sen. Joe Sam Queen Members Sen. Dan Blue, Sen. Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr., Sen. Don Vaughan
Members of the House who are key are:Chairman Rep. Glazier Chairman Rep. McLawhorn Chairman Rep. Rapp Vice Chairman Rep. Bell Vice Chairman Rep. Lucas Vice Chairman Rep. Parmon Vice Chairman Rep. TarletonRep. Laura I. Wiley
Leaders of the two chambers who will make the final decisions are:Speaker Rep. Joe HackneyPresident Pro Tempore Rep. Marc BasnightMajority Leader Sen. Tony RandSenior Chairman Rep. Michaux Chairman Rep. Adams Chairman Rep. M. Alexander Chairman Rep. Crawford Chairman Rep. Haire Chairman Rep. Jeffus Chairman Rep. Tolson Chairman Rep. Yongue Co-Chairman Sen. Charles W. Albertson Co-Chairman Sen. Linda Garrou Co-Chairman Sen. A. B Swindell Co-Chairman Sen. Charlie S. Dannelly Some teachers have taken it upon themselves to visit their legislators to educate them about National Board Certification. Each Wednesday, NCAE hosts a legislative briefing at the NCAE Center at 700 S. Salisbury in Raleigh.

Thank you for your tireless efforts in our schools all year long.

Karen GarrRegional Outreach Directorkgarr@nbpts.org

National Board Informational Meeting

We have two National Board informational meetings coming up.
May 28th from 4-5 pm at Spencer Building
June 2nd from 4-5 pm at Spencer Building

These are repeat sessions so you only need to attend one session. These are NOT posted on Schoollink. You may just come if you are interested in learning about the National Board Certification Process.

Latest on Funding

Statement from State Board of Education Chairman and CEO Bill Harrison and State Superintendent June Atkinson on Potential Budget Cuts to Education
(sent out May 21st 2009)

"It is our hope that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education’s budget draft is only a beginning and that there is much more discussion ahead. It is clear the state faces an extremely difficult economic situation, and that sacrifices will have to be made. The 11 percent budget cuts outlined by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education are severe and would have a significant negative impact on our classrooms and our schools."

Following is a sample of the proposed cuts that impacts National Boards:

• Elimination of application fee payment for teachers seeking certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

This does not mean this cut is offical, however it is being discussed!

National Board News Update

I have two more informational meetings scheduled for National Board support, May 28th and June 2nd from 4-5 at Spencer. These are repeat sessions so candidates may choose one session.

At this time, that is all that is scheduled due to the current status of National Board funding at the state level, budget cuts at the local level impacting professional development and a redesign of National Board support for next year.

As you know, the state is not funding the assessment fees for 2010 National Board candidates until July 1st. The latest proposed budget updates, have suggested completely cutting funding for assessment fees for National Boards. That is just a proposal at this time and may not pass, but it is being discussed. This impacts how we encourage teachers to apply.
Additionally at the local level, funds have been reduced to pay teachers who facilitate our National Board Support sessions which has led us to restructure the design of support we provide.
We are in the process of designing that plan; however with the funding now in question, our design may need to be revisited. We are in the midst of uncertain times and we will proceed somewhat cautiously because I do not want candidates to be mis-guided on funding issues, apply and not be supported by the state.

We certainly will continue to support National Board candidates in New Hanover County. The design of the support structure may look differently and the timeline will be revisited when funding is official.
Please comment on this posting with any questions or concerns regarding your role or needs you see regarding National Board Support.

Thank you,
Kim O'Briant

National Board Repayment Letters

I just received additional information regarding the repayment letter some NBCT's received as a result of an audit of National Boards at DPI.

Please read and respond to the email address listed below. Remember to include in your response, your initial application date/certification date and candidate ID number. This information will assist in expediting the research that is necessary.
Please contact me if you need additional assistance or have further questions.
Kim O'Briant
PS You may have already contacted Jeanne Washburn @ DPI and completed this process, I just wanted to share the latest information I have received. Jeanne will forward any information she has received onto the Financial and Business Department.

Dear District NBC Coordinators,
An email address has been established at the Department of Public Instruction, national-board@dpi.state.nc.us, which can be accessed by those who wish to dispute the letter they received regarding repayment of their National Board Certification fees. These disputes are currently being placed in a file that will then be researched to validate the accuracy of the State's repayment request. This process will take a great deal of time; therefore, please communicate to those who received a letter that the payment deadline of May 21, 2009, has been extended until the completion of DPI's research. Also, if they have contacted us on an individual basis through phone calls or email, their information will be forwarded to the Financial and Business Services area of DPI. Please remember to include in your response, your initial application date/certification date and candidate ID number. This information will assist in expediting the research that is necessary.
I want to thank each of you for being so patient as we work towards resolving the numerous issues related to the letters that were sent by the Financial and Business Services area of DPI.

Elizabeth Edwards
NC NBC Program Coordinator
Department of Public Instruction
Talent Management and Development
eedwards@dpi.state.nc.us

Update on National Board Funding for 2010 Candidates

I just received the following e-mail regarding NC funding for National Boards for 2010 candidates. I will keep you informed as I receive more information!

Kim

April 29, 2009

Dear National Board Certification District Coordinator:

On April 27, 2009, we were informed, by the North Carolina State Budget Office, that due to the State’s revenue shortfall, we have been asked to delay all payments for the $2,500 assessment fee until after July 1. This temporary delay has no effect on the future of the National Board Certification program in North Carolina. This is simply a means to cover a budget shortfall between now and the new fiscal year. All programs are being asked to make sacrifices and we certainly do not want to ask for special treatment during this difficult time.

Candidates, funded as of April 23, 2009, will be notified that their assessment fee payment will be made as soon as the State Budget Office releases funds sometime after July 1. They may monitor this by visiting www.nbpts.org and checking their “My Profile” to determine when funding has been posted. They can check their assessment fee status on North Carolina website at http://nbpts.dpi.state.nc.us. They can expect their box within four to six weeks after that posting, but, of course, can begin work as soon as the payment has posted.

In the meantime, they can still access the standards and all necessary materials for the certification process by visitinghttp://www.nbpts.org/ and using the "For Candidates" section. While they wait for their box, it would be an excellent idea for the candidates to become familiar with the standards and begin to understand what they will be required to do for certification. This is a great time for them to get organized!

Thank you for all you do each day for the students of North Carolina.

Beth Edwards, NBCT

N.C. National Board Certification State Program Coordinator

eedwards@dpi.state.nc.us

Office Phone: 919.807.3358

Jeanne Washburn, Program Assistant

N.C. National Board Certification

Danny Holloman, Section Chief

Center for Recruitment and Retention

Division of Talent Management and Development

National Board Eligibility

Are you interested in pursuing National Board Certification?  

See the attached checklist to see the eligibility requirements from National Board AND the state of North Carolina requirements for funding.  

National Board Criteria for Application

2010 National Board Candidates

If you are interested in becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, there will be two informational meetings to learn more about the National Board certification process.

Meeting Dates:

March 31st 4-5 pm at the Spencer Building

April 28th 4-5 pm at the Spencer Building

These are repeat sessions.  Choose one date to attend.

2009 National Board Candidates

2009 First Time Candidates:

Portfolio Due Date

Must be postmarked by March 31st 2009

2009 Retake Candidates:

Portfolio Due Date

Must be postmarked by April 15th 2009

2009 Renewal Candidates:

Portfolio Due Date

Must be postmarked by April 30th 2009