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National Board Certification

Jump to: Eligibility | Candidate Support | Certification Advantages | Information Sessions | More Information

At HCPSS, we believe that every educator deserves the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive.

HCPSS’ award-winning National Board Certification (NBC) program provides educators with a unique opportunity to do just that.

Offering comprehensive support, HCPSS’ program assists educators in all phases of the NBC process, helping them advance their practice, refine their craft, and lead with confidence and positioning them to earn the highest national certification available for teachers.

Under its new strategic plan, HCPSS aims to increase the number of educators pursuing and completing National Board Certification. At the same time, HCPSS seeks to increase representation of educators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds among NBC candidates.

HCPSS NBCTs.

HCPSS’ NBC Program by the Numbers

Program Eligibility

HCPSS administrators, instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and teachers who meet the following criteria are eligible to pursue National Board Certification and receive a full scholarship to complete the NBC process:

  • They have completed three years of satisfactory classroom experience prior to starting the certification process (by July 31st)
  • They hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • They possess a valid, state teaching or counseling license

Candidate Support

HCPSS offers comprehensive supports to eligible staff pursuing National Board Certification, including:

  • a full scholarship in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education to cover the cost of National Board Certification
  • bi-weekly, Saturday, and virtual support sessions
  • mentoring and coaching from HCPSS NBCTs
  • technology, including Swivl devices to capture teacher practice for reflection
  • written feedback from existing HCPSS’ NBCTs on candidates’ NBC portfolio
  • a dedicated affinity space to support NBCT candidates from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds

Jennifer Hlavka with a group of HCPSS NBCTs.

Certification Advantages

HCPSS offers a variety of advantages to educators who achieve National Board Certification:

  • In accordance with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future law, teachers who successfully complete National Board Certification, who are primarily responsible and accountable for teaching students in the classroom, receive an annual supplement of $10,000 each year their NBC certificate remains in good standing. NBCTs who teach at low-performing schools receive an additional annual supplement of $7,000.
  • Teacher candidates receive 3 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits (45 hours) for completing the NBC process and an additional 3 CPD credits (45 hours) when they achieve, helping to maintain their Maryland State teaching license.
  • Teachers may use their NBC materials toward their HCPSS evaluations.
  • Teachers who earn NBC have access to a variety of leadership opportunities, including becoming mentors or support providers for NBC candidates; presenting at state and national conferences; writing curriculum; and leading sessions at countywide professional development days.

Information Sessions

HCPSS offers information sessions throughout the year to support potential NBC candidates. Session topics include:

  • the National Board Certification process and benefits
  • HCPSS candidate supports, including a Towson University post-baccalaureate certificate program aligned with the work of NBC; information to complete the scholarship application

For More Information

Questions about National Board Certification in Howard County may be emailed to Jennifer Hlavka. Educators interested in pursuing their National Board Certification are encouraged to join the HCPSS NBC Canvas community (login required) and register to attend an upcoming information session.