Kathleen - Welcome to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification chat
Leslie - Have you gone through the certification process yet?
SuzyQ/OK/3 - I have kicked the idea around for about 5 years, but am not too sure that I have the motivation left in me.
KTeach2000 - Hello!! I haven't been certified, Im still in college!
SuzyQ/OK/3 - I am strictly an interested bystander tonight. Have you guys done it?
Leslie - I went through the process and it was very interesting. I have to redo one section but I was very disillusioned at the lack of help during and after the process.
Kinderjane - I am going through it now.
Kathleen - Leslie, maybe Teachers.Net can help people in a way you were not
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Leslie. That's what I have heard too. And, I think I would definitely need some backup and/ or support.
KTeach2000 - If you live in Mississippi I hear its 6000 a year extra for 10 years..its different in every state. I was looking at the page last night.
Kinderjane - I'm doing Early Childhood Generalist.
Kathleen - Leslie, at what level are you certified by NBPTS?
SuzyQ/OK/3 - I have one friend in Mississippi who made it through this summer and one here in Oklahoma who has to redo a couple of sections.
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Oklahoma gives $7,000 yearly for 10 years.
Kathleen - The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: http://www.nbpts.org/
Leslie - When you go through the process there are no models to look at. You are on your own. When you get your results they score you with a number and say well look at the rubric you'll see what you did wrong. NOT NECESSARILY SO. I did poorly on one section.
Kinderjane - It is a lot of work, but I think it is going to be a worthwhile process.
KTeach2000 - :-) I understand why they request you have 3 years of teaching because the home page talks about the things they want you to do....skills are needed!
Leslie - It is definitely a worthwhile process because you really reflect and think about your teaching.
Kathleen - Leslie, did you receive the certification?
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Kinderjane. How much time would you say you spent weekly on the process?
KTeach2000 - I also understand that some states will help you pay for some of it...it cost 2000 fee...500 of it is submitted with the application, according to the home page
Leslie - No - I did really poorly on one heavily weighted section and must redo it. I had a mentor who had gone through and gotten her certification - she loved my entry. I will have to rethink
Kathleen - Leslie, tell us about the time investment. Does it compare to taking one grad level course? Or is it more work than that? (would it equate to 2 full semesters of a single course?)
KTeach2000 - Leslie, do you have to submit a new fee?
Kinderjane - When I signed up, I thought it was about being a good teacher and writing about what you do. That's not it. It's about being a good teacher and becoming a better teacher through the process.
Leslie - It took a lot of mental work just thinking about what I was going to do. The actual writing was not bad. I wrote, thought and rewrote...If you start a year a head you can easily do it. You can think about stuff over the summer.
Kathleen - Leslie, can you do only the part you failed to pass? What kind of investment of time will that be?
KTeach2000 - Kinderjane, I've read articles by certified teachers and they agree its a way to better yourself..you really learn more about yourself as a teacher
Leslie - Yes, I had to submit a fee $250 for the section I screwed up.
Kelly/1st/MO - I'm a "banker", too...meaning I'm banking my scores and resubmitting parts. We have an email ring for EC/GEN candidates
Teresa - I have started this process this year. I am currently working on entry one for the EC/GEN. Do any of you know how to show the arts component in this? I don't know what types of artifacts to send.
Kinderjane - Suzy-Q it takes lots of time. I think about it even when I'm not working! I work on it every day. I don't have a lot completed yet.
KTeach2000 - So there are 4 sections? 250 each, perhaps?
joo - Leslie, how did you do on your science entry? I'm redoing that portfolio and need help. I have taped but am unsure about it.
Leslie - First spend the summer working on the professional development part - think of who you are going to ask to write you letters etc., plan your lessons (this is a biggie), send home sheets to parents to sign at the beginning of the year with all your other p
SuzyQ/OK/3 - I am wondering, if you complete the process, are the final tests REALLY scary? Or, do you feel confident enough to do them? How long do they take?
KTeach2000 - joo there's a great FAQ section on the home page that talks about recording time, what to record, how long and everything.
Leslie - I got a 2.938 on the science - not great
Leslie - The taping was hysterical - everything went wrong and I had to do it 4 times.
KTeach2000 - Leslie, do you have to have other ppl submit recommendations of how you have performed or is this basically self assessed
Kelly/1st/MO - Yes, but the web site says about 120 hours on the portfolio. I think I'd say more like 120 hours per entry! :)
joo - leslie, I am aware of the site you mentioned. Do you mind talking about your science entry?
Leslie - no
KTeach2000 - Kelly they base the 120 on surveys they have taken in the past on time.. Id agree it would take more, pending on how successful one gets through each section..
Leslie - don't understand ppl submit recommendations?
KTeach2000 - When you apply for a job you have to have recommendations of ppl that have seen you work..do you have to have anything like this for your portfolio?
KTeach2000 - for national certification?
Teresa - Has anyone here already received their certification or are we all candidates or bankers?
Kelly/1st/MO - No...you do not need recommendations of people who have seen you work. You need verifications to document accomplishments
Kinderjane - The directions are very explicit on what you are to do on each entry.
joo - Leslie, I wish I had your score. It's 1.198 better than I made!!
Leslie - First - you can only have one recommendation from a person per entry. So you can't have your principal write 5 letters about 5 wonderful and different things you did. You need a real variety of people.
KTeach2000 - Teresa, im in the mist of Arizona Certification.. Im far from applying. I just have a great interest when I can apply
KTeach2000 - Leslie, one per entry and how many entries are required in total
Leslie - One thing I really recommend for people looking into cert. - Get the portfolio and read it through the minute it is available. It costs about $25 and I wish I had seen it. I got mine at the end of December and
Kinderjane - It doesn't have to be all letters from people. You can use other forms of documentation.
justcurious - leslie, are you talking about a sample portfolio?
Lee - The important thing about documented accomplishments is that you tie it to what impact it had on student learning. You can do a zillion good things, but if you don't tie it to students and how it affected them or your own teaching, lists and recommendation
KTeach2000 - Leslie, I've seen the order form for the portfolios you are talking about...sometimes certification places try to sell you study guides, you do recommend buying it for 25?
justcurious - has anyone here already earned theirs?
Kinderjane - Those of you who did not do as well as you wanted on Science video, Do you think the problem was the activity or the writing about it?
Kelly/1st/MO - I believe my problem was partially with the writing, but partially because I didn't have my kids talking to each other instead of to me
Leslie - NO! Do not buy a sample Portfolio - it has a little bit of everything and you will have heart failure trying to figure out what you need.
Leslie - Get the actual portfolio - It would have saved me so much grief if I had done that during the summer instead of waiting until Dec. 30th when I got my box
KTeach2000 - Leslie, the actual portfolio?? Don't you have to build that yourself?
Kinderjane - Kelly- Not talking to each other in science video? Or community video? Or both?
justcurious - leslie, what is the "actual" portfolio? (sorry, kinda dumb on this)
Leslie - This is really a doable process IF you have the summer to think and plan
Teresa - My entry 1 is on holidays in other lands. We are "traveling" to ten different countries to learn about the Christmas, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, etc. There is an art activity for each holiday. Any ideas on the best way to document the arts part of this entry for EC/GEN?
Leslie - I got the Early childhood Generalist Portfolio - you do not have to sign up for the cert. process to get a copy
Kinderjane - I didn't start until Fall. So much of it has to be done while you are teaching.
justcurious - thanks, leslie, how do you obtain one?
KTeach2000 - Oh yeah Teresa!! I posted this to the ring, you said your entry 1 is on "holidays in other lands" can all your entries be related to the same "theme based" or do they have to be different.
KTeach2000 - I know what you are talking about now Leslie!!..
Lee - Go to http://www.nbpts.org/about/publications.html their publication area has all the materials for sale.
Teresa - KTeach2000: From my understanding each thing has to be on a different unit.
joo - just curious, tell me more and talk about it in relation to "matter"
KTeach2000 - Here ck this page out http://www.nbpts.org/seeking/
Leslie - I found it also useful for the Science entry to get a hold of the National Science Education Standards - they make things really understandable about Inquiry Science
justcurious - lee, reflecting on what leslie said earlier, how do I know which portfolio to purchase? (I teach 2nd)
KTeach2000 - just curious they are labeled according to the certification you are applying for
Kinderjane - Entry 1 is Social Studies and the Arts. Entry 2 is following a child's literacty development for 8 weeks. 3 is a 10 minute video showing a sense of community in your classroom. 4 is a 20 minute science video. 5 is your professional develpment. 6 is outreach to community and parents. It is not as simple as it sounds. You do all this in a certain way and reflect on what you have done.
Teresa - Juscurious: I also teach second and I am applying for the EC/GEN certification. This is for children ages 3 to 8.
Lee - justcurious, if the portfolios are available for all content areas; you would probably purchase EC generalist. EC=Early Childhood
justcurious - hi teresa. i do know which area to apply, but am confused about the name of the portfolio to purchase (for preview). thanks
Leslie - Here is the number I called 1-800-532-1813 - the cost was $25 - don't get the sampler get the portfolio for the one you want like early childhood generalist
Kinderjane - Leslie- Where do we get Nat. Science Ed. Standards?
KTeach2000 - http://www.nbpts.org/seeking/portfolio.html I think this is the page that lists them....and the number is 1-800-22-Teach
Lee - Kteach2000, are you a BCT?
Leslie - I logged onto Amazon dot com - I just ordered the same thing for social studies and the arts because they hopefully will help me on the one part I did poorly on.
joo - http://www.waynecountyschools.org/nb.htm has some helpful into...links to email communities and more.
KTeach2000 - Lee, no I student teach in January...sorry if I sound like a know it all, im just really interested!! AND have been doing alot of research on it.
Teresa - Is there anyone here already certified?
Kinderjane - Leslie- What did you order for SS/ARTS? I have done my teaching sequence on that and am writing it up. I have not started thinking about science yet. I'm working on all other entries now.
justcurious - leslie, would you recommend "older" teachers to go through the process?
Lee - Not necessarily; teachers with all ranges of years of experience have successfully achieved NBPTS certification.
Kinderjane - Just curious- I am older too! I could not have done this when I was yoounger.
Leslie - I can't remember what I ordered but I looked under National Social Studies Standards and Arts standards - after digging around I found some
tricia/FL - What does NBPTS stand for, exactly?
Leslie - I got one today called Curriculum Standards for WSocial Studies - National council for the scoial studies
Lee - There was a teacher last year who went for NBPTS certification even though it was his last year before retiring; he got it!
KTeach2000 - lol Kinderjane.. I think Ill wait till after 5 yrs of teaching and then take a hit at it... I "really" want to have the skills to do it.
Lee - NBPTS stands for national Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Leslie - Remember to start thinking about your accomplishments in the community and with your professional community.
tricia/FL - What are the benefits of getting certified by the NBPTS?
justsea:) - thanks, lee. another (?) ... so this retired person will get the extra pay for ten years regardless if still "working"?
SuzyQ/OK/3 - In light of the comment about students adressing the teacher instead of each other, I would be interested to know how your students react to the video process?
Kinderjane - If I stopped today and didn't do another thing on this, I am a better teacher because of what I have done so far. It really makes you think and reflect.
KTeach2000 - tricia that depends...http://www.nbpts.org/where/ This is the state rewards listed
Lee - Who knows; he did it for the learning experience; I do not know what state he was is; some places offer no pay inccentives.
Kelly/1st/MO - It takes practice.....set up video and run it all the time. Then the kids aren't talking to the camera! But you need to work on them talking to one another....do it in everything they do.....
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Are they natural, or do you get a lot of acting up before they finally settle down?
Teresa/K - I have taped 3 X for community...the last one was good but I have a girl standing on her knees the entire time almost and is blocking the view of the other kids....
justsea:) - thanks, leslie. appreciate your input and good luck!
Teresa/K - I had a student from the university in my room today and she even got taped so she could "reflect"
Kinderjane - I wish the public (Newspapers) didn't think of the process as pass/fail. It is really more like you complete the process in 1, 2 or three years. Just like it takes some longer to make it thought college!
justsea:) - is there anyone here who has not yet begun the process?
Kelly/1st/MO - You can take up to 4 years.....you get 3 years from the time you receive your first scores....
SuzyQ/OK/3 - I haven't started the process.
Heather (MO) - I have not begun, and still do not have enough information about the certification process yet,.
Teresa/K - I have only been taping and planning...haven't wrote anything yet...
Kinderjane - Teresa- What kinds of activities did you have them doing when you taped?
Lee - I am not a teacher, but a state supervisor who has worked with the National Board for more than 9 years, on standards committees, assessment development, etc. I'm here to learn you questions, understand better what kind of support you need.
Teresa/K - I am not as worried about the lang section...I have to track childrens' literacy process for the state and analyze their writing, etc.
justsea:) - lee, my biggest concern is having time for my kids (in my current class). i don't want to take away from them.
Teresa/K - now watch that be my low score
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Lee, I think we need lots of support. One comment earlier was about that very thing.
Teresa/K - The first one was about???? and the second??? and the last one was about what we would put up on the bul. board
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Someone commented about being very disillusioned about the lack of support during and after the process.
Lee - My content expertise is ECMC Art and EAYA Art; I can answer general questions across content areas. Give me a try...
Kathleen - Lee, are you assigned to one particular state?
Teresa/K - I brought home a foot of science material so I could go through it this weekend and plan
Kinderjane - Justsea- I was worried about that, too, but that is not a problem. They are benefitting by all the new things I'm trying. I would worry if I had children at home, but I don't. Just a very understanding husband.
justsea:) - may i clarify? i'm only considering doing this next year, but spend a LOT of time in my room doing extra things... and enjoy making it special for my class...
Teresa/K - I feel I have no support...I have been to 1 support meeting...drove 80 miles for it
Heather (MO) - justsea, what kind of extra things are you doing?
Lee - I work in one state; I work as a consultant with NBPTS in various ways.
Teresa/K - then the facilitators didn't say anything I didn't know and no one will "show and tell" in my state
Lee - Joo, have you checked the NBPTS website, the Talk to Other Teachers secion? There were lots of science questions there today.
joo - Lee, In my video, my kids are sitting on the floor in groups of three or four very engaged in sorting buttons. Lots of talking and I am facilitating. Can you discuss the science concepts being addresses? Thanks
Teresa/K - and then they announce a college course they are teaching for a college to help us with "reflection and 1 entry"....all for $600
Lee - Teresa K, What state?
Kinderjane - Teresa K- I have no support in my district either. I think they are providing a workshop in Jan. I am the only kindergarten teacher in my district doing it.
justsea:) - heather, i do a lot of differentiated instruction... and it takes time!
Teresa/K - professional growth department asked if I needed help via my principal...
Heather (MO) - justsea. do you mean differentiated instruction as in individualized instruction? I'm not sure what you mean.
Kelly/1st/MO - Teresa - Join the EC_GEN mailring - look for address on the Teacher Talk page at the nbpts website. I'll post directions to join again tonight! :) We have 240 members including NBCT's....
Teresa/K - but have never spoke with me...and we do have phones and email
Lee - Joo, in the entry for which you videotaped, what are the standards focused upon? What particular science content mentioned?
justsea:) - heather ( i have gifted cluster group plus average and low. not quite completely individualized but takes time and planning
Kathleen - Teachers.Net is planning to open an e-mail discussion group for those interested or engaged in NBPTS
Teresa/K - and I do not think I will take the course because I feel I can send my entries to some of you and get more out of it
joo - Lee, I feel I need to have a science mentor. Can you reccommend someone that has exppertise in elem science that I could communicate with via email?
Lee - Joo, go the the nbpts website and leave your request in the Talk to Other Teachers section; many times certified teachers offer to their personal assistance through private e-mail contacts rather than a mail-list.
Kathleen - Lee and Kelly, would you explain what it means to be certified by NBPTS?
Lee - ECMC is Early Childhood through Middle Childhood, ages 3-11
Kelly/1st/MO - It is a voluntary national certification that means that the "bearer" of the title has met the high and rigorous standards of accomplished teaching. Those are their words!
Teresa/K - Heather....to me national board certification means "accomplished teacher"...I have taught 10 years and have never had anyone tell me anything constructive except "your a good teacher"
Lee - It also means that you have national certification from an "objective" professional group that is separate from the politics or special interests of national content organizations.
Lee - It also is highly accepted as being professional--a status equal to that of doctors and lawyers
Lee - Kathleen, does NBPTS know you are offering this opportunity? They have a newsletter, might give you a line or two...
Teresa/K - Good night...thanks kathleen
Kathleen - Teresa, thank YOU!
Lee - Kathleen, I'll be in touch...thanks!
Kathleen - Lee, thank you!!
