Why Pursue National Board Certification?

YOU know you're a good teacher. But when you close your classroom door, who else knows that you're a good teacher? National Board Certification provides you with a credential that shows you have demonstrated your content knowledge and pedagogical skills.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is the hallmark of excellence for accomplished teachers. This voluntary process demands the highest level of performance from teachers in a rigorous assessment program that can take 200-400 hours to complete. Teachers document their subject matter knowledge, provide evidence that they know how to effectively teach their subjects to students, and demonstrate their ability to manage and measure student learning.

In order to advance the National Board Certification process in New Jersey, the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence (BCEE) at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has established a National Board Support Network to provide information as well as learning and networking opportunities for teachers working toward this esteemed certificate.

New Jersey teachers who apply for National Board Certification can receive full subsidy support of the $2,500 application fee through the New Jersey Department of Education. Teachers are also eligible for 6 graduate credits for attaining certification.

There are a number of districts in the state that provide incentives or reimbursement to teachers who pursue certification or have built language into teacher contracts to reward them for attaining certification. Click here for a current list of districts and benefits linked to National Board Certification.

In addition, National Board Certification meets most states’ definition of “highly qualified teacher” under No Child Left Behind.

For a complete guide to National Board Certification in New Jersey, visit the NJ page of the NBPTS website.

If you are a New Jersey teacher interested in learning more about National Board Certification, we welcome you to view our Power Point presentation.  Other pertinent information can be found below.  If you have questions, contact Donna Custard at 609-989-7888. 

New Jersey teachers, click here to get started.

Click here for additional information for New Jersey school administrators.

Click here for additional information for parents.