Candidate Support

Financial Support

Initial Candidates: Eligible candidates* can pursue National Board Certification without a large personal expense. The State of Pennsylvania has planned $300,000 to be used to award stipends of $1,250 each (one half of the tuition cost) to qualifying candidates seeking NBPTS Certification. Priority award status is given to all candidates seeking NBPTS Certification in Early Childhood Education, Secondary Math, and/or Science, and for any teacher employed in a Corrective Action or Needs Improvement school. A Federal stipend offered by the Unites States Congress and administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education awards all candidates an additional stipend of $1,250. The two scholarships combined account for the entire tuition cost. The only cost to initial candidates is a $65.00 nonrefundable application fee.

GlaxoSmithKline Scholarships are currently available for Philadelphia Teachers applying for science or generalist certification.

Eligible candidates* in their second or third year of the process are eligible for scholarships for up to $350 for one retake.

* Eligible candidates must currently reside and teach in Pennsylvania and have completed three years of Certified Teaching (emergency certification cannot count towards the three years). Please Note: Initial candidates must participate in an orientation to the NBPTS process. Contact the center director at csadjpea@temple.edu to set up an orientation.

Financial Incentives for National Board Certified Teachers: Local school districts provide additional financial incentives to support candidates and recognize the value of having National Board Certified Teachers teaching their students.

In addition, local school districts provide additional financial incentives to support candidates and National Board Certified Teachers. GlaxoSmithKlein Scholarships are currently available for Philadelphia Teachers applying for designated certificates.

Professional Development Support

Temple University’s Center for Teacher Excellence (TUCTE) will provide a series of orientation and professional workshops to assist first-time and advanced candidates through the process.

Educational Credits

• Graduate Credits from the American Council on Education for submission of portfolio and attainment of National Board Certification
• Act 48 credits
  • Ninety Act 48 Credits will be awarded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for submission of the completed portfolio (10 scoreable entries). An additional Ninety Act 48 Credits will be awarded upon achievement of National Board Certification.
  • Temple University will award Act 48 Credit hours for participation in professional development workshop activities.

Mentoring

In addition to Center staff, a cadre of National Board Certified Teachers from various school districts will be available to mentor candidates throughout the process. Face-to-face or phone/e-mail options will be available to meet the different needs of candidates.

Work Sessions

Work sessions in Temple University's Computer Labs (main and Harrisburg campuses) will be offered beginning in January. Candidates will be able to come in and work on their portfolios in a quiet place, ask questions, and receive support from National Board Certified teachers.

Getting Here

Directions to Temple University. Temple University is easily accessible by car or public transportation.