Program Overview

Information Sessions for National Board Certification:  Currently being scheduled June - September
Information sessions regarding National Board Certification including a discussion of the process of certification, resources for support and financial incentives in New Jersey can be provided for your teachers in your district free of charge  for groups of more than ten teachers.  These information sessions are led by National Board Certified Teachers.  Contact Dr. Jay Dugan to arrange such an information session for your teachers today!  

National Board Certification "Springboard"
This class is for teachers who are interested in pursuing National Board Certification.
National Board Certification is a ten-part portfolio which includes classroom-based assessments as well as subject area entries that ask teachers to show evidence of accomplished teaching in the classroom. Portfolio entries include student work samples, videotapes, and teacher reflection. Incorporating the standards of a specific teaching certificate as evidence of accomplished teaching, teachers are asked to reflect and analyze student learning in a way that probes the depth of their understanding of the subject matter knowledge as well as their ability to teach those subjects to students.

This class, held Monday through Thursday mornings for one week during the summer, will be facilitated by a National Board Certified Teacher. Participants will be introduced to foundational skills necessary to complete the ten-part portfolio. At the end of this week of classes, teachers will have completed one of the portfolio pieces before the new school year begins. They will also have a good understanding of the standards for their certification as well as the types of writing needed to answer the portfolio directions. Information regarding certification and submission of statewide paperwork will also be offered.

Participants will be granted 25 professional development hours that reflect their attendance in class as well as out of classroom assignments.

NBPTS Candidate Support Workshops at EIRC

Monthly support meetings for teachers preparing for National Board certification will be held monthly in three hour sessions as scheduled  by each cohort from September through April. National Board Certified Teachers will facilitate discussions that will enable teachers to better understand the process of certification.
Topics to be covered in this series of  meetings include:

• Organizing and Getting Started
• Exploring the Five Core Propositions of NBPTS
• Writing for Reflection
• Aspects of Teaching
• Making Good Choices
• The Scoring Process
• The Assessment Center

The meetings will be organized in district cohorts, where candidates will work together to reflect and share their teaching in light of the portfolio entries. Online learning  is one component of this EIRC support program.  Districts interested can offer this support workshop to local cadres of teacher candidates in their schools by calling Dr. Jay Dugan at (856) 582-7000 extension 139.  An NBCT will be available at each district site to facilitate the professional learning community.  Two additional work sessions will also be provided.

Participants will be granted 50 professional development hours that reflect their attendance in the class, online support, and out of class assignments. 

Train the Trainer - Supporting Candidates for National Board Certification

The process of National Board Certification is one of reflection regarding teaching, with an emphasis on improved student learning. We know that this process is strengthened through dialogue. Facilitators of teacher dialogue need to know how to listen for evidence of accomplished teaching and how to continue dialogue with teachers regarding best practice.

In this workshop, the basic structures necessary for teacher support for National Board Certification will be discussed and participants will explore the ethics of support, questioning strategies, and be introduced to reflective practice activities. Key information regarding the process for National Board Certification such as timeline, paperwork, on-line resources will be offered.

If you are a teacher mentor, particularly if you work with candidates for National Board Certification, this is a must!
Fee includes the text book: Accomplished teaching - the Key to National Board Certification