So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher?: A Handbook of Teacher Tips for Successfully Completing the Nbpts Certification

By Jerry L. Parks

Book Overview

As a teacher, you are already doing an excellent job in the classroom. Nevertheless, as more and more states encourage validation of teaching effectiveness, NBPTS certification remains the one standard by which you can establish unquestioned credibility.National Board certification not only validates--but also reflects--excellent teaching. According to research provided by the NBPTS, board certified teachers outperform their peers in 11 of 13 key teaching dimensions. They are also more adept at recognizing why students succeed or fail on academic tasks, engaging students, and improvising when faced with unexpected occurrences.Nevertheless, the NBPTS certification process is a daunting endeavor. As beneficial and validating as it may be, obtaining this certification is difficult, time-consuming, and challenging.So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher? will aid you in your quest to pass the rigors of the NBPTS portfolio development and testing. It will take you step by step through each of the four entries of the portfolio compilation, and make sure you stay on track through every stage of the process.So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher? is designed to offer successfully proven strategies to help you become more productive throughout the certification process, and avoid many of the pitfalls of the 50-75% first-time failure rate. Chapters include readiness (self-examination), key 'buzzwords' you must include in writing your entries, critical teaching strategies to employ in the taping process, as well as numerous helpful websites for further assistance. So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher? is the compilation of countless 'tips 'n tidbits' which will greatly enhance your chances of certifying, and which can only be offered by those who have endured the process.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595327281
• ISBN13: 9780595327287
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

"Thank the Lord I found this book! I finally made it!!"

This was my third attempt. I bought Jerry Parks's book, and took the advice. I passed with a 3** total score! and I made a 4.0 on my retake entry. In particular, the advice: "Write in first person, active voice," really clicked with me. Also: "keep it simple!". I addressed every instructional component, remaining mindful that how I answered each question should reflect linkage with the standards. I thank the Lord that I found this book, and that I bought it! I wished that I would've had it 3 years ago. Thanx so much from a Louisiana Lady!

"For serious pursuit of NBPTS Certification, a must read!"

Having the pleasure of working with Jerry Parks is one of the many highlights of my job, and to read and share his writing has enlightened so many other professionals. This little book possesses a vast amount of pertinent information that promotes completion of certification in a timely and efficient manner. The "tips" are precise, and written in a manner easily understandable and adaptable. For candidates seriously pursuing National Board Certification, this book is a must read!

"No fluff, trimmed to the bone handbook, certain to help!"

Many books like this are either too detailed and complex, too expensive, out of date and unusable, or all of the above. Others are just a regurgitation of the NBPTS tips which are free. "So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher?" is a no-nonsense, lean and to-the-point handbook that is none of the above. While the familiar NBPTS helps are discussed, the book also includes a very helpful self-test on potential candidate readiness. It also has an invaluable list of so-called 'buzzwords' to include when writing entries--many I had not considered. The premise of the book is "it's all in how you write it", and the emphasis is on keying in on core content, NBPTS buzzwords, organization, etc. While little of the information is profound or revolutionary, much of it is stuff I just wouldn't have thought of--and this is the strength of the book. All in all, the book is worth the price. The author writes in a conversational style, and not like other authors who seem to talk down to the rest of us. The 'tips 'n tidbits', and check boxes are really concise and helpful. So are the many websites for assistance. The work is attractively packaged, and organized for quick reference. The most helpful part, I repeat, is that lengthy list of 'buzzwords'. I am convinced Parks is right--the way your entries are presented is the key. I would think any certification area could benefit from the advice and information in this handbook. I'll let you know next year if I do!