National Board Certification

National Board Certification (NBC), offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (the National Board), is a certification process through which educator candidates demonstrate they meet the NBC standards via a portfolio of classroom practice. This portfolio includes samples of student work and videotapes of educator instruction, written reflections aligned with specific rubrics through the National Board, and a four-part assessment of content knowledge. 

Baltimore City Public Schools recognizes the impact of each educator and administrator who is equipped to lead from their seats on behalf of the young people we serve. One of the three pillars grounding our Blueprint for Success is leadership and the acknowledgment that leaders inspire, develop, and manage the conditions and environments that create high-performing learning communities that promote equity and excellence for all. High-performing education systems develop leaders at all levels and foster environments where there is a culture of continuous learning and the encouragement of professional growth and increasing leadership.  
 
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future also recognizes that high-quality educators and leaders are instrumental for student success. As part of the Maryland Blueprint, one policy area focuses on High-Quality and Diverse Teachers and Leaders. Within this state initiative, one way for teachers to increase their leadership is to pursue National Board Certification as part of a movement along the state career ladder. 
 

More information about National Board Certification is available on the First Time and Returning Candidate page on the National Board’s website. Interested educators may also want to review one or more of the online courses below: 

• Introduction to National Board Certification: You can self-enroll in this Canvas course 
• Preparing for National Board Certification for Candidates: You can self-enroll in this Canvas course 
• Webinar series from Jan-Feb on each component 
• June 26-29: National Board Certification Academy

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation expands the fee support program while also specifying that this fee support is only available for educators who:

• Meet the National Board’s eligibility criteria, 
• Have a current, valid Maryland professional certificate, and 
• Meet the definition of “teacher” as defined by Maryland Education Article §6-1001 and accompanying MSDE guidance*.

*Please note that being eligible for this fee support program does not mean you will meet the criteria for any salary increases associated with being a National Board Certified teacher. 

Candidates who are participating in this fee support program are still responsible for the annual, non-refundable $75 registration fee with the National Board.

So that our district can submit information for eligible candidates interested in this fee support program for SY 2023-24, interested and eligible educators must submit the following information to the Office of Human Capital by Friday, September 1, 2023:

• Completed intent form – Includes having created an account with the National Board so you can provide us with your candidate ID, and confirming of which NBC portfolio components (1, 2, 3, and/or 4) you will submit in the upcoming school year 
• Completed eligibility verification form and a copy of your teaching certificate
  • Please submit your eligibility verification form via email to the Office of Human Capital at NBC@bcps.k12.md.us for the “District Employment Officer” review and signature.
• Signed and notarized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - The appropriate MOU that is needed varies based on whether you are:
  • Seeking your Initial NBC
  • This is a Retake attempt for your NBC, or 
  • You are seeking fee support to help you Maintain your NBC
• Please carefully read this complete guide to applying for National Board Fee Support.

Please join us for an information session to learn more about National Board Certification and the fee support process.  

June 8, 4:30 – 6 PM

July 20, 4:30 – 6 PM

August 23, 6-7:30 PM

If you are ready to embark on your National Board Journey, please join us for a Jumpstart Session:

June 15, 5 – 6:30 PM:  District Jumpstart Session

July 26, 5 – 6:30 PM: District Jumpstart Session

Did you miss us?  Access a recording of the information session and a PDF of the session Powerpoint below.

NBC Information Session recording (June 8)

NBC Information Session Powerpoint (June 8)

Click HERE to access the recording and slides of the Jumpstart session.

If you are interested in staying in touch with our team regarding the National Board Certification process and fee support program and upcoming events, please fill out this interest survey.