Maine Education - Certification - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

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Announcing NBPTS Candidate Fee Support!

The Maine Department of Education announces the availability of $1250 assessment fee scholarships to support Maine public school teachers wishing to participate in the National Board Certification process during the coming school year. Candidates, who do not receive federal money to support candidacy, are also eligible to receive up to $700 for two retake exercises. These funds are made available through a federal subsidy from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. For more information please visit:

Maine’s NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Program for Public School Teachers Informational Letter 100 and agreement form .

What is National Board Certification?

This rigorous, research-based professional development opportunity is part of a national effort to reach goals established by the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future. The National Board Certification process is for teachers with three or more years’ experience and is voluntary. National Board Certification is one of the highest honors that is bestowed by the teaching profession and is a symbol of commitment to accomplished teaching. Those who wish to learn more about the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the National Board Certification process should visit the NBPTS web site www.nbpts.org.

What is the Take One! program?

The Take One! program is a shorter version of the full certification process. This process can be done by individuals or entire facilities. Because this process is open to principals as well, this is an excellent professional development opportunity that supports the culture of a professional learning community. For more information about this program please visit:
http://nbpts.org/products_and_services/take_one1

What incentives are available to Maine’s teachers?

Incentives available to NBCT’s in Maine include an annual stipend of $3000 to any NBCT who teaches in their area of certification and for the life of his or her contract. For more information on this please visit:
http://www.maine.gov/education/edletrs/2007/adlet/07adlet003.htm

In addition, individual school systems provide various compensation and support for candidates and NBCT’s that may include pay incentives, additional professional development time, and full or partial fee payment. For more information about incentives that may be available across the state please visit:
http://nbpts.org/resources/state_local_information/Maine

Support for National Board Candidates

The Maine Education Association provides a formal support program for National Board candidates. This program consists of a series of Saturday workshops led by National Board Certified Teachers. For more information please go to:
http://www.maine.nea.org/National_Board_flyer_07_08.pdf

Additionally, the Maine Education Association has a list of trained candidate support providers who have agreed to answer questions and may be willing to work with individuals as they go through the process. The link to this list can be found at:
http://www.maine.nea.org/dir4/NBPTS_Announce.htm

100 Grants Available for NBPTS Programs

Department of Education Contact:
Ellen Holmes, NBCT
Distinguished Educator
Maine Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04330
Email: ellen.holmes@maine.gov
Voice: 207-624-6879
Fax: 207-624-6821

Certification Information

100 Grants Available for NBPTS Programs