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Fort Payne City Schools

Providing child-centered learning so every student may pursue any dream

National Board Certification

National Board Certification

National Board Certification 

 

National Board Certification is a nationally recognized distinction for educators who demonstrate accomplished teaching practices, ongoing professional growth, and a commitment to student success. Teachers earn certification through a rigorous, performance-based process that evaluates their classroom practice, content knowledge, and impact on student learning.

 

How to Become National Board Certified

To earn National Board Certification, teachers must:

  1. Meet eligibility requirements, including holding a bachelor's degree, possessing a valid state teaching certificate/license, and completing at least three years of successful teaching or school counseling experience.
  2. Select a certification area that aligns with their teaching assignment and expertise.
  3. Complete the National Board Certification assessment process, which includes:
    • Portfolio components that demonstrate teaching practice, student learning, and professional responsibilities through written reflections, instructional materials, assessments, and classroom-based evidence.
    • A computer-based content knowledge assessment specific to the selected certification area.
  4. Submit all required components and assessments by National Board deadlines.
  5. Earn a passing score based on the combined results of the portfolio and assessment components.

Candidates may complete certification over one to three years and have opportunities to retake individual components if needed.

Alabama Incentives and Support

Teachers pursuing National Board Certification may apply for the Alabama National Board Certification Scholarship Program, which helps offset certification costs for eligible candidates. Scholarship opportunities and candidate support programs are available through the Alabama State Department of Education.

The State of Alabama also provides an annual $5,000 salary supplement to National Board Certified Teachers who are properly certified and employed full-time in an Alabama public K-12 school. Additional targeted supplements may be available for eligible teachers serving in designated schools and certification areas.

Helpful Resources

 

National Board Certified Teachers

 

Tiffanie Baker- Fort Payne Middle School

Nicki Barksdale- Fort Payne Middle School

Jennifer Byrd- Fort Payne High School

Mindy Chadwick- Wills Valley Elementary

Paul Crawford- Fort Payne High School

Mallory Durham- Wills Valley Elementary

Jana Groghan- Wills Valley Elementary

Jessica Hayes- Fort Payne Central Office

Joy McClain- Fort Payne High School

Tonya Shanklin- Fort Payne Middle School

Jeannie Woods- Fort Payne Middle School