National Board Certification
National Board Certification (NBC) is a voluntary, advanced professional credential that recognizes accomplished teaching practice beyond state licensure. Administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), certification is based on rigorous national standards that define what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do to positively impact student learning.
To earn certification, candidates complete four assessment components that evaluate content knowledge, instructional practice, classroom effectiveness, and professional reflection. The process includes a computer-based assessment as well as portfolio submissions that may include lesson plans, student work samples, classroom videos, analysis of student learning, and reflective commentary. Candidates may complete components over several years, with all four components required for certification.
NBPTS offers certifications across multiple subject areas and developmental levels, serving educators from early childhood through adolescence. National Board Certification is widely recognized as a mark of teaching excellence and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
Support and Incentives for Kansas Educators
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) strongly supports teachers who pursue National Board Certification, an advanced, voluntary credential that recognizes accomplished teaching practice and professional expertise.
To help educators through the certification process, KSDE partners with the Great Plains Center for National Teacher Certification at Emporia State University to provide statewide professional development, mentoring, resources, and candidate support at no cost to Kansas teachers.
The Kansas State Department of Education administers state-funded incentives established through Kansas legislation, including:
Application fee support
- Up to $1,1000 toward the cost of initial National Board Certification
To apply for the fee support towards your initial National Board Certification, complete the National Board Certification Subsidy Application.
- Up to $500 toward the cost of Maintenance of Certification (MOC)
To apply for the fee support towards the cost of Maintenance of Certification (MOC), complete the National Board Certification Renewal Subsidy Application.
*Fee support subject to available funding
Annual salary incentive
- National Board Certified Teachers who remain in classroom teaching positions are eligible for a $1,000 annual salary incentive, which is reimbursed to school districts by the state
*Reimbursement subject to available funding
National Board Certification is a valuable professional growth opportunity that helps teachers refine their instructional practice, demonstrate their expertise, and positively impact student learning across Kansas.
