A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download and PRINTING.

March 9, 2010

SUBJECT:  2010-2011 National Board Certification Federal Subsidies

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

The Texas Education Agency is pleased to announce that federal funds for National Board Certification are now available for the 2010-2011 cycle for teachers, librarians, and counselors who may be interested in applying for the candidate federal subsidy program.  The funds are provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to the Texas Education Agency and are disbursed on a first come, first serve basis.  Priority, however, is given to teachers from high poverty/low performing school districts.

National Board Certification is a symbol of professional teaching excellence.  The certification:

• Recognizes achievement for both the teacher and their students;
• Strengthens and reaffirms teaching strategies;
• Adds credibility to the teaching profession; and,
• Positively impacts student learning.

National Board Certification is available in twenty-five (25) subject areas and school counseling.  In order to seek National Board Certification, a teacher, librarian, or counselor must meet the following requirements prior to applying: (1) Hold a bachelor’s degree, (2) Have completed three full years of teaching/counseling experience, and (3) Possess a valid state teaching/counseling license for that period of time, or, if teaching where a license is not required, have taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the state.

• First-time candidate fees can be subsidized for up to one-half of the $2,500 fee ($1,250 per candidate).  The application for a federal subsidy must be submitted no later than December 31, 2010.
• A candidate cannot apply for a federal subsidy until a candidate number has been assigned by NBPTS and an initial payment of $500 has been made to NBPTS. 
• Federal subsidy funds cannot be allocated to a candidate who has previously utilized subsidy funding.
• Retake candidates who have not previously received subsidy funds can receive subsidy funds of up to $350 per exercise for up to two retake exercises.  Both exercises must be taken within the same candidate cycle.  Applications for retake candidates must be submitted no later than January 31, 2011.
• Federal subsidy funds cannot be allocated to NBCTs seeking certification renewal. 
• Federal subsidy funds cannot be used for Take One!® participants.
• Some school districts in the state offer additional support and/or incentives for candidates and National Board Certified Teachers.  Go to:  www.nbpts.org and click on the “Become a Candidate” tab.  Then, click on “Fees and Financial Support.”

Instructions to apply for National Board Certification can be found at:  www.tea.state.tx.us.  Click on the A-Z Index tab, click on “N,” then on the “National Board Certification” link. If additional information is needed, please email: glendelia.zavala@tea.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-6443.

Sincerely,

Glendelia M. Zavala, Ed.D.
Educator Performance and Student Affairs