National Board Support Program
for Arkansas Teachers
National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Becoming National Board certified is a journey that the Arkansas Department of Education and BloomBoard would like to help you successfully complete! Our pre-candidacy support program enables teachers to focus on improving their instructional practices while preparing for certification, all within their own classrooms.
As an added incentive, the Arkansas Department of Education will cover the cost of registration and the four components for all Arkansas educators interested in pursuing National Board Certification!
National Board Support Program
BloomBoard’s course based program enables educators to focus on improving their instructional practice and preparing for a successful National Board Certification journey, all while deferring the cost of certification until after their pay increase would typically take effect.
Program Overview
Learn more about BloomBoard’s micro-credential based Pre-candidacy Support Program and how it works.
Incentives
Learn more about the incentives the state of Arkansas offers to teachers who have earned National Board Certification.
Program Benefits
Learn about the benefits of the program and why teachers are taking advantage of the program.
Attend an Info Session
Speak with a National Board counselors to learn how you can get started on your journey to earning certification.
Program Overview
BloomBoard has developed a program that enables educators to prove proficiency in specific practice areas that will prepare them for successful completion of the National Board certification process.
The program consists of three courses that focus on competencies that will be utilized when developing the portfolio in the National Board component areas. Throughout the National Board support program and the candidacy process, participants will have access to a personal NBCT coach who has been trained in cognitive coaching strategies.
The program includes:
- National Board Support Program
- Coaching from a National Board Certified educator
- Access to the National Board ATLAS video library
- Price of National Board Certification (registration fee plus submissions for each of the four components and any resubmissions, if necessary). This cost is covered by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Incentives for Arkansas Educators*
Financial Incentives
NBCTs who certify after 2018 receive:
- $2,500 annually (for five years) if they do not teach in a high-poverty school
- $5,000 annually (for five years) if they teach in a high-poverty school not located in a high-poverty district
- $10,000 (for 10 years) annually if they teach in a high-poverty school in a high-poverty district
More than 100 Arkansas public school districts offer additional incentives for National Board Certification. Contact your central office to find out what support is available in your district.
State Recognition
NBCTs receive credit toward professional development requirements when renewing their license.
Educational Credits
Universities frequently provide graduate credit to teachers pursuing National Board Certification. Check with your local university to see if graduate credit is a possibility for you.
Benefits
BloomBoard offers a number of supports to help you successfully earn National Board Certification. In addition, financing options are available ot help you defer costs until your pay increase would typically take effect.
Competency-Based Learning
Engage in a series of courses focused on competencies that will be utilized when developing the portfolio in all National Board certification areas.
Virtual 1:1 Coaching
Connect with existing National Board Certified Teachers through virtual, video-based coaching as you work towards completing the micro-credentials and certification.
Access to Exemplars
Get access to exemplar video content from the National Board ATLAS video library. Videos have been selected from successful submissions and are embedded in the micro-credential framework.
No Cost to AR Educators
The support program and the National Board candidacy process are bundled together and covered by the the ADE.