A certificate awarded by the National Board attests that a teacher has been judged by his or her peers meeting high and rigorous professional standards. He or she has demonstrated the ability, in a variety of settings, to make sound professional judgments about students' best interests and to act effectively on those judgments. The first part of the process requires a teacher to show evidence of good teaching practice by preparing a portfolio. The portfolio contains videotapes of classroom teaching, lesson plans, samples of student work and written analyses and reflections on one s teaching. The second component of the assessment takes place in an assessment center.
Candidates spend one day at an assessment center completing four content tests.
To be eligible for National Board Certification, candidates must have taught successfully for a minimum of three years under a valid teaching certificate and be certified in one of the areas that the program offers. For a complete listing of these areas, please refer to the National Board's web site . Candidates are encouraged to apply early.