The certification process involves a demonstration of the candidate's teaching practice as measured against high and rigorous standards.
Candidates participate in a two-part assessment.
The portfolio includes student work, videotapes and other artifacts completed in the candidate's classroom, along with reflections on what occurred and rationale for one's effectiveness of practice and professional judgment. The assessment center exercises require timed written responses to four prompts organized around challenging teaching issues. This work will take the better part of a school year. Teachers report spending 120-200 hours on the total process. The Washington Initiative for National Board Teacher Certification Washington State is working to create a strong infrastructure for recruiting, supporting, candidates for certification and then using the talents and skills of National Board-certified teachers in schools and districts across the state.