Why become Nationally Board certified?

• Students learn more. A decade of research shows that students of Board-certified teachers learn more than their peers without Board-certified teachers. Studies have also found that the positive impact of having a Board-certified teacher is even greater for minority and low-income students.
• Teachers improve their practice. Board Certification allows teachers to hone their practice, showcase their talent in the classroom and demonstrate their dedication to their students and their profession.
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Schools with National Board-Certified Teachers are characterized by better teacher morale and retention and increased community involvement. Districts and schools that want to drive student learning recognize the power of Board certification and are taking steps to empower and raise the status of accomplished teachers.

**Counselors must obtain the NCSC specialty certificate under NCC to qualify for DOE reimbursement**

The National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) certification recognizes counselors who demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in school counseling. This certification shows one has met national standards for the specialty practice, including additional education and experience requirements and a specialty examination.

Benefits of certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Application requirements.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard and the 2016 Legislature approved a K-12 education package that reinstated the stipends for South Dakota public school teachers and counselors who seek National Board Certification. Retroactive reimbursement payments for years 1-5 of certification will be paid in calendar year 2016. Retroactive reimbursement payments for years 6-10 of certification will be paid in calendar year 2017.

Individuals obtaining a National Board Teachers certificate or a National Certified School Counselor certificate, that are employed by a South Dakota public school may be eligible for the following:

Fee payments

Upon obtaining National Board Certification or National Certified School Counselor certification, the Department of Education shall reimburse any fees personally paid by the teacher or counselor for initial, retake, and Take One applications. Reimbursement of fees is limited as follows:

1. Does not include fees paid by a scholarship or outside source;
2. Is available for public school teachers and counselors only; and
3. Is paid only for those teachers obtaining National Board Certification or National Certified School Counselor certification as a certified teacher or school counselor employed in South Dakota.


Stipend payments

Each $2,000 stipend ($1,000 to be paid by the Department of Education and $1,000 to be paid by the school district) is paid annually to a teacher, school counselor*, or administrator who has obtained National Board or National Certified School Counselor certification. A payment must follow these guidelines:

1. A stipend is paid to a public school teacher, school counselor*, or administrator only;
   
2. A National Board Certified Teacher or National Certified School Counselor* who moves into public school administration is eligible for continued stipend payments;
3. The Department of Education shall notify each school district of any individual eligible for the stipend. The school district shall make payment during the school term the teacher first obtains National Board or National Certified School Counselor* certification and during the following four school terms;
4. A district may opt to continue the stipend payment for an additional five years to be matched by the Department of Education up to a maximum of $1000;
5. If an individual does not complete an entire year of teaching or counseling or is teaching or counseling part-time in the public school district, the stipend is pro-rated for the number of months of service to the district;
6. A district may make the determination on how to fulfill the district's payment responsibilities to the candidate.

*Pursuant to SD Codified Law 13-1-54 regarding National Certified School Counselors, a counselor who has earned the credential of National Certified School Counselor MAY receive a payment of two thousand dollars per year. The department is not required to pay a teacher a stipend unless the school district employing the counselor opts to pay a stipend. As long as funding is available, the department plans to pay the State portion of the stipend ($1,000).