What is National Board Certification (NBC)?

NBC proves that teachers possess the skills and knowledge of accomplished teaching as demonstrated by their performance on a two-part assessment. The assessment is based on high standards developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The standards-based assessment requires candidates to create a classroom-based portfolio and complete a one-day written assessment. Call 1-800-22TEACH to receive an application for NBPTS.

Benefits of Becoming National Board Certified

• Leadership opportunities while remaining in the classroom
• $6,000 annual bonus for 5 years after certification or renewal
• Professional growth and affirmation
• Promote teaching as a profession
• State license renewal

The Southwest Mississippi World-Class Teaching Initiative (SMWCTI)

The Southwest Mississippi World-Class Teaching Initiative (SMWCTI) is one of six World Class Teaching Programs that supports Mississippi teachers as they seek National Board Certification. The state of Mississippi funds the World-Class Teaching Initiative at university campuses, and Jackson State University (JSU) is one of the institutions funded to support teachers through the Southwest Mississippi World-Class Teaching Initiative. This initiative was established in the late 1990’s, and the first cohort of teachers matriculated through the SMWCTI and were certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

The Southwest Mississippi World-Class Teaching Initiative, at Jackson State University, is directed by Dr. Gloria Smith who is assisted by Ms. Carolyn Tillman, and five (5) candidate support providers.  Ms. Tillman, who serves as a facilitator, is responsible for monitoring the candidate support providers, recruiting, securing financial support, and providing relevant training and academic support for candidates.  The candidate support providers for the initiative facilitate and support selected candidates through the National Board process.

The Southwest Mississippi World-Class Teaching Initiative, at JSU, offers several different programs to meet the needs of teachers seeking National Board Certification (NBC).  It guides and supports groups of selected candidates through the certification process. Ultimately, this program prepares leading teachers to take and pass the National Board Educator Exam.  Outlined below are the programs offered through the SMWCTI to meet the needs of teachers seeking National Board Certification: Candidate Support Program, and The National Board Standards Workshop.

Click Here to download the application form.

The Candidate Support Program is the heart of the Southwest Mississippi World-Class Teaching Initiative.  It guides and supports groups of selected candidates through the National Board Certification process.  It consists of bi-monthly meetings with active candidates, their peers, and a National Board Certified Teacher.

Click Here to view the mentoring Sessions

The National Board Standards Workshop is a two-day workshop designed to provide instruction on the standards developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. During the standards workshop, teachers are introduced to the building blocks of the certification process: the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching, the Five Core Propositions, and the Standards for each certificate area.  The workshop gives an overview of the National Board Certification process which includes a detailed overview of the four components. During the workshop, teachers have an opportunity to work with National Board Certified Teachers.

What Does the SMWCTI Offer Teachers?

• Seminars to study national standards and connect to practice
• Regular meetings with candidates and National Board Certified Teachers
• Cooperative learning designs
• Access to study materials
• Support system and network opportunities

For an explanation of the current Mississippi law governing the reimbursement process for National Board certified teachers, counselors, and speech pathologists, please go to Here

For an application for National Board Certification, please call 1-800-22-TEACH or apply on-line at http://www.nbpts.org/.

Reimbursement is through House Bill 207 that teachers are reimbursed for completing each of the components.

If you have any further questions about the certificate, please contact: