Funds available for teachers pursuing National Board certification

The U.S. Department of Education has allocated funds to South Dakota for the Candidate Subsidy Program. This program helps teachers obtain National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The Candidate Subsidy Program helps financially offset a portion of the application fee for teachers who participate in National Board Certification. Further details and timelines will be distributed in September. 

National Board Certification is geared to teachers who seek higher levels of professional growth. While earning their NBC, teachers critically examine their teaching practices against rigorous standards. Standards are designed to measure what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

Part of the NBC process requires that teachers develop a portfolio while in the classroom. The portfolio includes student work, videotapes and other teaching artifacts. In addition, the teacher completes assessment center exercises that complement the portfolio and are organized around challenging teaching issues. Teachers working toward NBC spend a better part of a school year completing the process requirements.

Questions regarding this process can be directed to Roxie Thielen, Department of Education, at (605) 773-5669. roxie.thielen@state.sd.us