NBCT

National Board Certification Table Talk Notes

What are the professional – and personal – benefits of being a National Board Certified Teacher in Library/Media?

That was a frequently-discussed topic during the National Board Certification Table Talk, Thursday, October 23, during the OELMA Annual Conference.

Six Conference attendees participated in the National Board Certification Table Talk, including two w/ questions about the National Board process; and four National Board Certified Teachers in Library/Media. Table Talk facilitators were Candi Pierce, Regional Director, and Vicky Schmarr, Immediate Past President.

The group discussed the following benefits of the National Board Certification process: Professional & personal growth – “The best reason for seeking certification is that you will greatly improve your effectiveness, as you reflect on your impact on students, your school, and your community.” -- Sara Kelly Johns Table Talk participants agreed with this School Library Journal article quote that the National Board Certification process results in significant professional – and personal – growth. Increased credibility -- Administrators and classroom teachers recognize National Board Certification as a significant achievement, which translates into increased credibility – and more professional respect -- for school library media specialists. Professional opportunities -- The Ohio Education Association has sponsored an NBCT Leadership Summit and leadership training sessions for Ohio’s NBCTs. Therefore, being National Borad Certified makes you a part of a large network of highly qualified teachers. In addition, since NBCTs are nationally-recognized as highly-qualified educators, they are recruited for employment openings and by graduate programs throughout the United States. Economic rewards – Ohio Department of Education provides the following economic support and recognition for the National Board Certification process: • Candidates for National Board Certification can apply to the Ohio Department of Education for $ 2,200 scholarship. Currently 400 scholarship available annually. • Recognizing NBCTs with annual stipend for up to 10 years; • Establishing and funding regional support sites to provide mentoring for Ohio National Board candidates; and • Sponsoring Ohio National Board candidates who need to retake entries. Check-out details about Ohio’s support for National Board Certification process under “Teaching” @ http://www.ode.state.oh.us

Interested in the National Board process? Here’s helpful tips offered by those who have completed the process: • Candidates for National Board Certification may take up to three years to complete the process. Candidates rarely complete the process in one year. • Working with a National Board mentor and/or support group can be very beneficial. Exchanging ideas and learning from each other enhances candidates’ success. • Subscribe to the online support group for Library/Media National Board candidates. • Before becoming a candidate, work as a test-scorer to gain insights into the overall process and portfolio-preparation strategies.

What could OELMA do to encourage Ohio’s school librarians to pursue National Board Certification? • Work with Ohio universities to develop classes and/or workshops aligned with the Library/Media National Board Certified Teacher process. • Develop National Board Certification resources section on OELMA’s Web page. Online resources could include the following: o List Ohio NBCTs in Library/Media w/ contact info, so prospective candidates can contact them w/ questions; and o Provide links to National Board Certification resources.

Want to find out more? Contact Educational Consultant Rasha Hetata, at the Ohio Department of Education, to inquire about state-funded National Board Certification application scholarships and mentorship programs.

Here’s how-to contact Ms. Hetata: Rasha Hetata, Educational Consultant, Center for Teaching Profession, Ohio Department of Education, 25 S. Front Street, Mail Stop 505, Columbus, OH 43215-4183. (614) 728-2704 E-mail: rasha.hetata@ode.state.oh.us

Notes submitted by Jessica Klinker & Vicky Schmarr