Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For answers to more questions about National Board Certification, go to http://www.nbpts.org/help_and_faqs

FAQs for Georgia Educators

1. How do I begin the process of applying for National Board Certification?

Information regarding the application process and other requirements can be found at: www.nbpts.org under the tabs “Become a Candidate” and “For Candidates”. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards provides many resources for candidates and teachers who have already achieved the National Board Certified Teacher status at this website.

 

2. Does part-time or substitute teaching count towards the “three years of teaching” requirement to apply for NBCT?

Teachers who have taught part time are eligible in any certificate area except ECYA/School Counseling, provided that they have teaching employment that is the equivalent of three years of full-time teaching. Formulas for calculating part-time teaching experience can be found on the back of the Candidate Employment Verification Form (found at www.nbpts.org). Substitute teachers may count teaching time spent in long-term assignments toward the three years; substitute teaching that consisted of short-term or on-call assignments does NOT accrue toward the three years. Long-term assignments are defined as a minimum of half a school year, as defined by the district where the employment occurred.

(see FAQs – Eligiblility at www.nbpts.org/help)

 

3. How does the state know to continue my salary supplement as an NBCT when I renew my NBCT certificate? (question from NBCT who just renewed)

The Professional Standards Commission provides for the DOE a list of NBCTs who have renewed, as well as those candidates who have achieved NBCT status in the current NBPTS cycle. Employment in a Georgia school system is then verified, and for candidates who certified on or after July 1, 2006, eligibility based on the employing school’s status as “needs improvement” is also verified.

 

4. I have just renewed my National Board certification. Where do I need to send a copy of my new NB certificate?

Send a copy of your NBCT certificate to:

Georgia Professional Standards Commission
Certification Division
Two Peachtree St. Suite 6000
Atlanta , GA 30303 .

Also, provide a copy of your NBCT certificate to your employing school district.

 

5. I just achieved and became an NBCT. Where do I need to send a copy of my new NB certificate?

Send a copy of your NBCT certificate to:

Georgia Professional Standards Commission
Certification Division
Two Peachtree St. Suite 6000
Atlanta , GA 30303

Also, provide a copy of your NBCT certificate to your employing school district.

6. I am an NBCT who certified prior to July 1, 2006. I am transferring from an NI school to a school that is not high needs. Will I still be eligible for the 10 percent salary supplement? Yes. Georgia educators who received National Board Certification prior to July 1, 2006, will receive a 10 percent salary supplement based on their state salary regardless of school assignment if they meet all other criteria. See the link to the document entitled “Major Changes in Identification of Eligibility for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Salary Supplement – FY07”.

 

7. I am an NBCT who certified on or after July 1, 2006. I am transferring from an NI school to a school that is not high needs. Will I be eligible for the 10 percent salary supplement at my new school? No. Georgia educators who receive National Board Certification on or after July 1, 2006, must teach full time in a Needs Improvement School to be eligible for the 10 percent salary supplement. See the link to the document entitled “Major Changes in Identification of Eligibility for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Salary Supplement – FY07”. For more information, see next question and answer.

 

8. I am an NBCT who was accepted as a candidate on or before March 1, 2005 and certified after July 1, 2006. Will I be eligible for the 10 percent salary supplement?

Yes, if you meet the following criteria as verified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission:

• enrolled in and were accepted by the NBPTS on or before March 1, 2005 and were in the process of obtaining NBCT prior to July 1, 2006;
• received NBCT and were employed full time in a Georgia public school in a position requiring certification;
• received a valid Georgia teaching certificate; and
• followed required renewal procedures for NBCT prior to expiration

See the link to the document entitled “Major Changes in Identification of Eligibility for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Salary Supplement – FY07”.

 

How do I know if I am eligible for prepayment of a portion of my application fees for NBPTS?

Conditions for applying for prepayment of fees are posted on the website. If you are in a “needs improvement” school, you are eligible to apply for prepayment assistance.

 

10. How do I request reimbursement of personally-paid NBPTS fees?

After you achieve NBCT status, you can apply for reimbursement of up to $2000 that you personally paid to NBPTS if you are in a “needs improvement” school at the time you receive your NBCT certification. See the website for further information.

 

11. What happens if I mail my promissory note to the PSC and it is not received by

the deadline? Mail your promissory note via certified mail with return receipt requested and keep a copy in your records as documentation. Remember that all deadlines are followed as stated on the PSC and NBPTS websites.

 

12. Is The Knowledgeable Teacher course required in order to be eligible for prepayment of fees by the PSC to NBPTS?

No, however completion of The Knowledgeable Teacher course indicates a commitment by a candidate to the NBPTS process of national certification and assists potential candidates in understanding the requirements of applying for NBCT. Teachers who choose to take the course are not assured achievement of NBCT status, but this course contributes to helping candidates be better prepared.

 

13. Where can I find available The Knowledgeable Teacher courses?

Go to the menu on the left hand side of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission web page for National Board Certified Teachers information under “Candidate and NBCT Information”. Click on “PSC Approved Classes”.

 

14. After I certify, how can I communicate with other NBCTs in Georgia?

NBCTLink is an interactive, online learning community designed for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). NBCTs can connect with one another, share best teaching practices and keep up-to-date about important education issues. Go to: http://www.nbctlink.org/web/guest/home

 

15. How do I know if a school is considered “high needs” in Georgia?

“High needs school” means a Georgia public school that has received an unacceptable rating for a period of two or more consecutive years. A list of schools and their status can be found at: www.doe.k12.ga.us under Data Reporting – AYP/NCLB. Current status is usually posted in September for the previous school year.