NBPTS Certification
Points of Contact -- Teri Dugan or Allison Bailey at 978-8384
Every state has entry level certification, i.e., minimum requirements for teachers to complete before or during their first few years of teaching. The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification Process was designed for the other end of the spectrum. Experienced, expert teachers demonstrate their command of the teaching profession by comparing their teaching practice against a set of professional standards developed over years by thousands of teaching professionals.
Candidate's Expenses The National Board Certification Process is an expensive undertaking, running into thousands of dollars per candidate.
The state of Florida illustrates its commitment to the National Board Certification Process with the Dale Hickam Excellent Teaching Program legislation, which provides all but $300 of the $3,000 candidate assessment fee. Candidates must also pay a non-refundable $65 processing fee.
The School District of Indian River County illustrates its commitment to the National Board Certification Process by reimbursing candidates for up to five retake entries ($350 per entry, less applicable taxes). Indian River County is the only school district in Florida that provides this level of financial support.
Financial Incentives
Yearly Bonus: National Board Certified Teachers receive a yearly bonus equal to 1/10th of an average Florida teacher's salary. At present, this equates to approximately $4000, less applicable taxes.
Advocacy Bonus: National Board Certified Teachers have a chance to double the amount of their yearly bonus by accumulating 93 advocacy hours (twelve 7.75 hour days outside of student contact time). These hours can be earned in a variety of ways. Mentors and candidates they assist should use the district
Mentor Guidelines to iron out their understandings of their separate responsibilities. Mentors should keep track of their hours on the
Mentor Log form.