Getting Started
As I began my pursuit of National Board Certification, understanding the requirements proved to be a learning process. Admittedly, I faced some procrastination in the first year. To help you navigate this process more effectively, here's a list based on my experience:
- Begin as soon as possible. DON'T PROCRASTINATE! Start quickly; set aside a few weekly hours to read or write.
- Download, print, and pass out the permission forms for all required people (students and teachers who will be represented in your submission).
- Save student samples, emails, notes, and correspondence in a file or on your computer
- Download the instructions for the component(s) you plan to complete this year.
- Print the "AT A GLANCE" requirements page. Post it somewhere where it's easy to access.
- Do the same with the Level 4 rubric. Strive to earn a 4 on your components.
- Start working on the Introduction, Context, and Planning sections while you collect student samples, record videos, and preplan.
- Read the General Portfolio Instructions to grasp the big picture.
- Set up all required documents in a file for easy access. If you work with a mentor, discuss how to share your writing for review. I recommend saving all your writing to a Google Drive Folder and share the file for feedback as required.
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The Five Core Propositions provide the overarching theme of NBCT. Make them a personal commitment. |
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Writing Help:
- Write in an active voice - Avoid is, are, was, were; use active verbs
- Limit your use of adjectives and adverbs. Instead, opt for strong verbs and nouns.
- Avoid "that" - it makes your writing wordy.
- If you begin a sentence with "This," state the antecedent.
- Be direct and to the point.
- Follow the Portfolio Instructions explicitly.
- If you find yourself repeating any section, ensure you addressed the previous prompts concisely.
