National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) Training Course.
Introduction
The National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) certification is a prestigious credential that recognizes the expertise and professionalism of teachers who demonstrate a deep understanding of their content, pedagogy, and the needs of their students. This 5-day intensive training course is designed to provide teachers with the tools, strategies, and knowledge needed to successfully complete the National Board Certification process. Participants will explore the NBCT standards, develop their portfolios, and enhance their teaching practices to meet the high standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to begin their journey towards NBCT certification and deepen their impact as educators.
Course Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will:
- Understand the National Board Certification process and standards.
- Develop skills in self-reflection and evidence-based teaching practices.
- Learn to align their teaching practices with the NBCT standards for their subject area.
- Gain proficiency in creating a professional portfolio for certification.
- Be fully prepared to navigate the challenges of the certification process and complete their NBCT journey successfully.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
- Teachers who are considering National Board Certification and want to understand the process.
- Experienced educators looking to reflect on their teaching practice and pursue a high standard of professional development.
- Educators seeking to develop their portfolios and align their teaching with national standards.
- Teachers interested in pursuing a certification that will enhance their teaching skills and leadership roles within their schools.
Day 1: Introduction to National Board Certification and Professional Growth
Session 1: Overview of National Board Certification
- The significance of National Board Certification for educators
- Understanding the NBCT process: Eligibility, assessment components, and timelines
- Key components of the National Board Standards and how they apply to different subject areas
- The benefits of NBCT for professional development, student achievement, and career advancement
- The role of reflection in becoming an NBCT: Focusing on continuous improvement
Session 2: Understanding the NBCT Standards
- In-depth exploration of the Five Core Propositions that guide the NBCT process
- Identifying your teaching philosophy and aligning it with the NBCT standards
- Developing an understanding of Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge
- How the National Board Standards apply to different grade levels and subject areas
Day 2: Self-Reflection, Evidence Collection, and Portfolio Development
Session 3: The Power of Reflection in Teaching Practice
- Using reflective practice to align personal goals with the NBCT standards
- Strategies for gathering evidence of effective teaching and student learning
- How self-reflection enhances professional growth and informs practice
- Documenting your teaching philosophy and approach to support the certification process
Session 4: Creating Your Portfolio
- Overview of the Portfolio Components: Reflective essays, videos of teaching practice, and artifacts
- Strategies for documenting evidence of your effectiveness as an educator
- How to choose the best video clips and artifacts that align with the National Board standards
- Organizing your portfolio: Creating a narrative that shows your teaching impact and growth
- Tips for writing reflective essays that demonstrate the depth of your teaching knowledge
Day 3: Instructional Practices and Impact on Student Learning
Session 5: Designing Instruction to Meet the NBCT Standards
- Exploring strategies for differentiated instruction and meeting the needs of diverse learners
- Developing lesson plans and classroom activities that align with the NBCT Core Propositions
- Assessing student learning and using data to inform instructional decisions
- Promoting higher-order thinking skills and fostering a growth mindset in students
- Best practices for creating a classroom environment that promotes learning and collaboration
Session 6: Measuring and Reflecting on Student Growth
- Techniques for using formative and summative assessments to track student progress
- Creating an evidence-based approach to evaluate and reflect on student learning
- Understanding how to collect data and assess the impact of instruction on student outcomes
- Documenting student growth and achievement in your portfolio
Day 4: Navigating the NBCT Assessment Process and Writing Strong Artifacts
Session 7: Writing Strong Artifacts and Reflection
- Crafting compelling responses and reflections that showcase your teaching practices and student impact
- Writing effective reflections that focus on evidence, analysis, and growth
- Developing artifacts that provide strong evidence of your teaching effectiveness and alignment with NBCT standards
- Review and analysis of sample portfolios and writing feedback
Session 8: Preparing for the Assessment Center
- Understanding the Assessment Center Component of the NBCT process (written assessment)
- What to expect from the Assessment Center: Key areas tested and how to prepare
- Practice exam questions and strategies for answering assessment items effectively
- Time management and tips for success during the assessment portion of the exam
Day 5: Final Review, Exam Preparation, and Tips for Success
Session 9: Final Review and Exam Preparation
- Reviewing key concepts and strategies for completing the certification process
- Addressing common challenges faced during the NBCT process and ways to overcome them
- Final preparation for writing your portfolio and submitting your materials
- How to approach the written assessment and the Assessment Center
- Best practices for managing time and setting goals during the certification process
Session 10: Tips for Ongoing Professional Development
- Continuing your journey after certification: Maintaining and enhancing your NBCT credential
- Setting long-term professional goals and staying engaged in your field
- Leveraging your NBCT certification to influence school policies, mentor other teachers, and lead initiatives
- Networking with other NBCTs and collaborating to improve educational practices