Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

National Board Certification

National Board Certification is a process administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). NBPTS is an independent, non-profit organization that offers a certificate to teachers who demonstrate knowledge and skills through a challenging set of assessments. The NBPTS organization includes teachers and other education stakeholders working to advance the teaching profession and improve student learning.

The National Board Certification offered by NBPTS is geared to teachers who seek higher levels of professional growth and a process to critically examine their teaching practice against high, rigorous standards. The standards measure what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

Obtaining National Board Certification is a rigorous process including a two-part assessment based on standards and reflecting varied aspects of teaching. The process includes development of a portfolio completed in the candidate's classroom that includes student work, videotapes and other teaching artifacts. The assessment center exercises complement the portfolio and are organized around challenging teaching issues. Work on the National Board Certification process takes the better part of a school year.

National Board Certificates are now available in several education fields and several assessment calendars. Eligible teachers for National Board Certification must hold a baccalaureate degree, have taught for at least three years and held a valid state teaching certificate for those three years.

Subsidy Available for Teachers Who Pursue National Board Certification

The Application

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Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Lanette Johnston in the South Dakota Department of Education at 773-8415 or lanette.johnston@state.sd.us.