Saturday, August 22, 2009

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

Sunday, August 16, 2009

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

Tuesday, August 11, 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.