National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Definition

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a non-profit organization that establishes high standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. It offers a certification process designed to enhance teaching quality, promote professional growth, and elevate the status of the teaching profession across the United States. This certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field, encouraging ongoing professional development and improved curriculum implementation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NBPTS was founded in 1987 with the goal of improving teaching quality through a rigorous certification process.
2. Candidates for National Board Certification must demonstrate their teaching practices through various assessments, including portfolios, student work samples, and written reflections.
3. Achieving National Board Certification can lead to higher salaries, increased job satisfaction, and greater respect within the teaching community.
4. The certification is valid for ten years, after which teachers must renew it to maintain their status as nationally certified.
5. The NBPTS certification process is based on a framework of 25 core propositions that describe what accomplished teachers should know and do.

Review Questions

• How does the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process support teacher professional development?
  • The certification process by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards emphasizes self-reflection and continuous learning. Teachers must compile a comprehensive portfolio that showcases their instructional practices, student engagement, and growth over time. This requirement not only encourages teachers to critically assess their own methods but also fosters an environment of ongoing professional development that ultimately enhances curriculum implementation.
• Discuss the impact of National Board Certification on the perception of the teaching profession.
  • National Board Certification significantly elevates the status of the teaching profession by establishing rigorous standards for teacher excellence. It highlights the importance of skilled educators who are committed to their professional growth. As more teachers obtain this certification, it reinforces public confidence in the quality of education, showing that certified teachers are equipped with advanced skills to implement effective curricula and improve student outcomes.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of National Board Certification on educational reform and teacher retention.
  • National Board Certification has long-term implications for educational reform by promoting a culture of high standards among educators. As more teachers become certified, schools may experience increased retention rates due to higher job satisfaction and recognition from peers. This stability can lead to stronger collaborative efforts in curriculum development and implementation. Additionally, the focus on continuous professional growth encourages innovative teaching practices that align with contemporary educational demands.

Related terms

Teacher Certification: The process by which teachers are granted legal authority to teach in a school system after meeting specific qualifications and passing exams.

Professional Development:

Ongoing education and training that teachers engage in to enhance their skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in the classroom.

Accomplished Teaching: Teaching that demonstrates a high level of knowledge, skills, and practice, often recognized through certifications like those from the NBPTS.