Jennifer - Welcome to the Maryland support network chatroom. Discussion today will concern National Board Certification, VANBCT - thanks, my certification is in exceptional needs, and I thought I'd try to answer any questions, but looks like its empty! Jennifer - Yeah...I think the holiday has people pretty tied up. I am certified in early childhood. Are you a Marylander? VANBCT - well, almost, from northern Virginia Jennifer - I heard that they were trying to cut the salary stipend for NBCT's in Va. Heard it was in the Washington Post VANBCT - Yeah! But I'll be happy to get any check at all! VANBCT - How is the support in MD? Jennifer - It varies by county. The state will match up to 2000 dollars per year in salary raises for NBCT's. Montg co gives their NBCT's 2000 then the state matches 2000 for a total of 4000 more per year. I however, in Hartford co got 1000 one time Jennifer - I plan to hold this chatroom once a month. I would love to have your help...it might be nice to hook up VA and Delaware candidates VANBCT - I'm in Fairfax Co, which gives $3,500 if you take on additional responsibilities. Jennifer - Do the responsibilities include mentoring candidates VANBCT - There are different options, my school is high risk, so I get the 3,500 just for being there, but my principal will probably make me do more.. VANBCT - I'd be glad to help, my email is winddeprived@yahoo.com, let me know.. I'll probably check back around 4:00, but I need to take care of some work for tomorrow! It's hard going back after a break! Jennifer - Aren't all principals the same? I love mine but I did tend to get a lot more responsibility once I certified. I certified in 98. did you just certify? VANBCT - 98! I just certified this year, so I'm still in that "awed" state that I made it... It's a great feeling. Jennifer - Thanks VANBCT...The chats will be the last Sunday of every month...Congratulations...but honestly..after all the years it is still a great feeling. See you soon VANBCT - see you! Jennifer - Don't work too hard! Jennifer - If you have any questions about national board certification I can answer them LaShaundra - Has anyone had trouble with transport? Jennifer - Transport of what LaShaundra - Of documentation and forms Jennifer - Haven't heard LaShaundra - I am having a lot of trouble LaShaundra - What is the point of getting nationally certified if the state and county don't get their acts together. Jennifer - So sorry to hear it. The point for me was that I became a better teacher. Since National Board is relatively new, there are bound to be little problems LaShaundra - This is a huge problem. My district has certain deadlines, and because of transport, I will not be able to fulfill them. Jennifer - Call NBPTS if you aren't getting what you need LaShaundra - I already have. They said the entire state of Delaware is experiencing the same problem, and that they are really angry with the state board of ed. Jennifer - I have met so many great teachers through this process. Both when I certified and then after as I was helping candidates. So many talented people ... Jennifer - Maryland hasn't really had these problems Jennifer - I am logging off now...If you are a Maryland teacher who came by for help, please post your question to our listserv and we will ensure it gets answered
