FAQ
Candidates
Where can I find the various certificate areas?
You can review all the certification areas on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website, http://www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate/available_certificates1 .
Where can I find the Employment Verification form?
Here is a link to the Eligibility Forms: http://www.nbpts.org/userfiles/File/Eligibility_Forms_2008_web.pdf
What is the phone number for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards?
1-800-22-TEACH (1-800-228-3224)
How does the Initiative know I am a candidate?
The Initiative will be aware of your candidacy if you allow a third-party to view your candidacy when you apply to become a candidate.
I am a Take One! Candidate, what financial support does the Initiative offer?
The Initiative will pay $200 of your fee. Please note your portion of the fees in the amount of $195 must be paid by November 15, 2012 to be eligible to receive financial assistance.
I am a First Year Candidate, what financial support does the Initiative offer?
The total fees for a First Year Candidate are $2,565. When you apply, you will need to pay a $65 application fee and $500 for materials/assessment fees by November 15, 2012. The remaining $2,000 will be paid by the Initiative once we have confirmed payment of the above.
I am a Second/Third Year Candidate, what financial support does the Initiative offer?
The Initiative will pay up to a maximum of $600 per year; this does not include the $15 application fee for retake candidates. Retake candidates must pay their portion of the fees by January 15, 2013 before the Initiative will pay its portion.
How much is the fee for Retake Candidates?
$15 is the retake fee. Each entry retaken is $350. The Initiative will pay up to $600 for retake candidates.
I am a Renewal Candidate, what financial support does the Initiative offer?
The Initiative will pay $650 of your fee. Renewal candidates must pay their portion of the fees by December 15, 2012 before the Initiative will pay its portion.
I am National Board Certification Candidate, but my fees have not been paid by the Initiative, what do I need to do?
First, you will want to make sure that you allowed a “Third Party to view your candidacy”, without this permission, the Initiative will not know you are a candidate and will not be able to pay fees. You will also want to make sure you have paid your portion ($565). The Initiative will not authorize payment until your portion has been paid. If you have done both of these items, the Initiative may not have made a payment yet. The Initiative’s payment of fees is not instantaneous; to check your status, please contact Tiffany White, tdwhite22@gmail.com.
I already paid the total fees personally, how do I get a refund of the portion the Initiative pays?
If you already paid your portion of the fees, and the Initiative is aware of your candidacy, you will need to contact the National Board to request a refund (1-800-22-TEACH).
I am a full candidate, but would like to switch to a Take One! candidate. What do I need to do?
You will need to call the National Board (1-800-22-TEACH) and request that you candidacy be changed. If you already paid the $565 towards your full candidacy status, the fee will transfer to your Take One! fee. The remaining amount will stay with the National Board because it was non-refundable. This will need to happen prior to the March 31st portfolio submission date.
I am a full candidate/retake candidate and am ready to schedule my Assessment Center Testing, where do I go?
To schedule your Assessment Center testing you will need to visit the National Board at the following link: http://www.nbpts.org/for_candidates/assessment_center/scheduling_an_appointmen
This will provide the steps and list of eligible testing sites.
Workshops
Who is eligible to attend the Workshops/Work Sessions put on by the Initiative?
All declared candidates are eligible to attend the Workshops/Work sessions.
Am I required to attend the workshops if I would like financial assistance from the Initiative?
You are not required to attend the workshops in order to receive financial assistance. Workshops are optional for candidates.
I am attending a WNBCI workshop, what expenses does the Initiative?
The Initiative will pick up all expenses for candidates to attend workshops except transportation and evening meals/activities.
I just finished registering for a workshop, what are my next steps?
Transportation and room reservations are the responsibility of the teacher. You will also want to make sure to complete any tasks that would have been outlined on your registration confirmation page. Double occupancy is required for teachers staying in a hotel room. Should you choose to have a single room you will be responsible for half of the cost of the room.
Withdrawal/Incomplete/Re-Entry
How do I withdraw from the National Board Certification process?
To withdraw from the process you can:
1. Complete and submit the online Withdrawal Form available from your online account.
2. Complete the Withdrawal Form provided with the Eligibility Verification Packet (provided in your portfolio box).
3. Submitting your request through the online Candidate Inquiry Service specifying that you wish to withdraw.
4.The form is also available online at http://www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate/eligibility_policies, Download the form, complete and fax to 1-888-811-3514 or mail to:
NBPTS Processing Center
11827 Tech Com Way, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78233
If I withdraw from the National Board Certification process, and decide to try again at a later time, is there still support from the Initiative?
Yes. As long as you formally withdrew from the process the first time, you are still eligible for Initiative Support.
I am considered a “non-completer” by the National Board, am I eligible for financial support from the Initiative?
No, as a non-completer you are not eligible for financial support from the Initiative. Should you not undertake a timely withdrawal or complete all assessment requirements and your status is therefore reported by the National Board as “Incomplete” or “No Attempt”, reimbursement in the amount of $1,000 to the Wyoming National Board Certification Initiative will be required by February 1, 2013.
I did not certify in the three years of the process. Can I re-enter the process?
Yes, you can re-enter the process if you do not certify in the three years. However, you will be starting from the beginning with no banked scores. At this time, the Initiative does not provide financial support for those that choose to start the process again after their initial three years.
NBCTs
I achieved National Board Certification! What do I need to do to receive the State Bonus?
Once you are notified that you have achieved National Board Certification, please notify your Superintendent and especially your business manager of your achievement as soon as possible. You should also provide documentation of your achievement so that you will be eligible for the December payment which is reimbursable from the State.
I am now an NBCT, but would like to stay involved in the process, how may I do that?
You may become a Candidate Support Provider, check the www.wnbci.org website for details on upcoming trainings. There are also other leadership opportunities that become available from the Ellbogen Foundation, check your emails for notifications regarding these opportunities.
I am an NBCT that will be retiring before my certificate expires, will I still receive the State Bonus?
The State Bonus is a salary bonus. You must be working full-time in a Wyoming school district, as a teacher to receive the bonus. ** Please note the bonus is not a guarantee, and is constantly evaluated at the Legislature.
DEADLINES
**The following deadlines are for receiving Initiative support, and do not necessarily correspond with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ Deadlines.
Take One! Candidate Application and Candidate Portion of Fees Paid ($195): November 15th
First-Time Candidate Application and Candidate Portion of Fees Paid ($565): November 15th
Retake Candidate Application and Candidate Portion of Fees Paid (vary): January 15th
Renewal Candidate Application and Candidate Portion of Feed Paid ($500): December 15th
If you do not see your question listed, please contact Tiffany White at tdwhite22@gmail.com