National Board Certification

National Board Certification is administered through an independent, national organization - The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).  This voluntary certification process is guided by Five Core Propositions that focus on what NBPTS believes should be honored and valued in teaching.  Teachers who meet the rigorous standards and complete the certification process earn certification as a National Board Certified Teacher.

Pursuing National Board Certification is a path to professional growth and improvement.  Certification is offered in 25 different fields.  Candidates for certification are required to complete two major components in their field of certification: a portfolio of classroom practice, and an assessment of content knowledge.  The amount of time required to complete the certification process is estimated at 300-400 hours.

To be eligible for National Board Certification, a candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed three (3) years of teaching experience within the United States (early, elementary, middle, or secondary), and hold a valid state teaching license.

Additional information regarding the certification process, online applications, and certification costs may be found on the national website a www.nbpts.org.  The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board provides further information regarding state required documentation and candidate support via their website at www.kyepsb.net/certification.

Any JCPS teacher interested in becoming a candidate for National Board Certification should contact:     

Susan Thurman
JCPS National Board Program Coordinator
JCPS Gheens Academy
4425 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY  40213
Phone: 502 485-3833

                                             Fax: 502 485-3744              

email: susan.thurman@jefferson.kyschools.us