Just for Adam...

Just because Adam asked...

National Board Certification for teachers is a process that takes about 15 months to complete. All teachers are licensed by their state to teach, but the NBC is a voluntary step to get certified nationally, and it is really hard to get. Only 63 teachers in Nebraska have achieved it. It involves a DVD portfolio of examples of your teaching in your classroom in 4 different areas. I have to submit reflective pieces to go along with these, as well as student work. I also have to take a test over my specialization (Early childhood elementary education ages 3-8) which is like the SAT for teacher's content knowledge. Why am I doing this? To prove to myself I can. It is a huge honor, and I want to see if I can do it. Also, to feel like myself, and not just a mom. To get back some of my feeling of worth as something other than Mom to Evan Charlie and Sam (although that is great too-don't get me wrong!) And also because the people who have done it say it is the best professional development activity they have ever done, and it really helps to improve your teaching.