National Board Certification (NBC) is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. NBC has national standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certifies teachers who successfully complete its rigorous certification process. (NEA)
French and Spanish for Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood (ages 11-18+) are the only paths offered by NBPTS for world language educators. Certification in English as a New Language is also available.
For information on the requirements and fees for NBC, please visit the NBPTS website.
For information on the benefits of NBC in Pennsylvania and candidate support, please visit NBPTS’ In Your State website. Some school districts in Pennsylvania offer stipends, salary advancement, or fee support; consult your local contract.
Benefits from the PA Department of Education include:
- Act 48 hours can be requested for submitting components for initial NBC (up to 180 hours) or Maintenance of Certification (up to 90 hours). PSEA is the approved provider of these hours, regardless of your membership status.
- Educators with NBC and a Level I certificate may be issued a Level II certificate comparable in grade scope and content area upon application for Level II certification. Please visit PDE’s Level I to Level II page for more information.
- Out-of-state educators with NBC may have an easier path to certification in Pennsylvania. See PDE’s Out-of-State Educators page for more information.
To search a list of PA educators with NBC, see NBPTS’s Directory.
While PSMLA does not have a formal mentoring program for NBC candidates, several current and former Executive Council members have NBC and may be able to provide guidance. Contact us for more information.