TEA Offers Funds to Subsidize Fees for National Board Certification

The national credential is awarded to highly accomplished educators who successfully complete a rigorous process of study, expert evaluation, self assessment, and peer review. The credential represents one of the highest standards of the profession.

Candidates cannot apply for funds until they’ve made their initial $500 payment to NBPTS and have received a candidate number.

First-time candidates can earn a subsidy of up to $1,250 (half of the fee). They must submit an application no later than Dec. 31, 2008. No federal subsidy funds can be provided to candidates who’ve used federal funds in the past.

Retake candidates who have not received federal subsidy funds can obtain up to $350 per exercise for up to two retake exercises. Both exercises must be taken within the same candidate cycle. Applications for retake candidates must be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2009.

Funds cannot be allocated to current National Board certified teachers who want to renew their certificates or to Take One!^® participants.

TASB/TASA Salaries and Benefits in Texas Public Schools survey results indicate that just 14 Texas school districts currently help educators seek National Board certification by reimbursing part of the fee. Eighteen districts support National Board certified teachers by offering a stipends ranging from $500 to $5,000, many for a period of years.

To seek National Board certification, teachers, librarians, and counselors must meet the following requirements: hold a bachelor’s degree; have completed three full years of teaching or counseling; have a valid state teaching or counseling license for that period; or, if teaching where licensure is not required, the individual must have taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the state.

Additional instructions on applying for National Board certification can be found on the State Board for Educator Certification Web site under the Master Teacher Programs tab. For more information, call 512-936-6060.