News Releases for August 2007
August 09, 2007
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Dalrymple Honors Nationally Certified North Dakota Teachers With First Of $1,000 Annual Stipend
BISMARCK, N.D. – Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple and the Education Standards and Practices Board today presented 15 North Dakota teachers with the first of an annual $1,000 stipend in recognition of their achieving national certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The 60th Legislative Assembly in the last session approved the new financial award, which for the first time acknowledges teachers who earn the rigorous national credential. The event took place at a recognition luncheon in the Great Hall of the State Capitol.
“National certification distinguishes a teacher who goes above and beyond state certification and demonstrates a deep dedication to working in the classroom,” Dalrymple said. “With these stipends, we are saying, we respect and appreciate your added professional commitment to our children.”
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was established in 1987 in response to a central recommendation of the Carnegie Commission’s report, A Nation Prepared Teachers for the 21st Century. It was conceived as an independent, nongovernmental body focused on improving student learning by setting clear, high, and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.
North Dakota has had twenty two teachers achieve national certification since 1998. Districts that have had the privilege of these teachers in their classrooms include Beulah, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Rolla, Ellendale, Grafton, Fargo, Minot, Devils Lake, Velva, Oakes, Des Lacs-Burlington, and West Fargo.
National Board Certification, developed for teachers by teachers, represents professional acknowledgement of “accomplished” teaching practice meeting the highest standards. Teachers comprise a majority among Board members, and teacher committees develop standards and performance-based assessments for certifying “accomplished practice.” A cadre of specially trained teachers rates the performance assessments.
National Board Certification when added to the North Dakota Professional Educator’s license is issued for a period of 10 years or the number of years prior to expiration of the national certificate. A National Board Certified Teacher must complete the National Board Profile of Professional Growth prior to the expiration date of his or her certificate and can only renew certification in the original certificate area.
National Board Certification cannot substitute for meeting North Dakota State teacher licensure requirements. National Board Certification represents the achievement of an additional professional credential. By contrast, basic state licensure or certification represents the achievement of entry-level standards permitting a teacher to practice.
Candidates must be experienced teachers (three years minimum) voluntarily seeking recognition for meeting rigorous standards in one of twenty-four areas defined by subject and students’ age. A National Board certificate is valid for ten years and is renewable as explained below in Certificate Renewal. Additionally, the National Board standards can serve as a solid base for or a component of professional development resulting in improvements in teaching and learning.
Attaining National Board Certification requires significant commitments of time and effort, often 200-400 hours
outside the classroom, but many teachers say that it was worth the work to achieve the professional and personal
rewards. Candidates not attaining certification on the first attempt can “bank” successful component scores
and try again.
“Nearly all candidates cite the merits of rigorous and reflective professional development focused on their own
practice in relation to student work,” said Janet Welk, executive director of the Education Standards and
Practices Board. “Experienced teachers attaining certification observe that their accomplished practice has been
validated and that they are recognized for their achievements in their communities and schools.”
Teachers also note changes in their professional lives: greater collaboration with their colleagues, interest and respect shown by parents and the enthusiasm their students demonstrate when they take part in the process. Less-senior teachers indicate that National Board certification offers opportunities for them to become recognized as leaders in their profession without leaving the classroom for other jobs in education. Remaining a teacher over the course of a career becomes more attractive, according to Welk.
A candidate must successfully complete two components of an assessment process designed to examine teaching competencies, skills, and knowledge in relation to NBPTS standards for a particular subject area for students of specified ages.
- The school site portfolio documents over time teaching practice and student work in relation to NBPTS standards.
- The off site assessment center activities document on demand knowledge of both content and child development in light of current research.
- The NBPTS fee is currently $2,500 including a registration fee of $300. The NBPTS certificate renewal fee is currently $1,150.
The Education Standards and Practices Board has been funded through the State of North Dakota since 1999 to provide 50 percent of the $2,500 assessment fee for North Dakota teachers who wish to become candidates for National Board Certification. The federal government matches the other 50 percent with federal dollars. During the 1998-1999 school year, its initial year, the North Dakota Education Association provided dollars for the assessment fee for nine teachers.
National Teacher Certification Stipend Recipients
August 8, 2007
- David Bartz – Bismarck
- Gail Beaudoin – Bismarck
- Amy Benz – Beulah
- Glorianne Bradshaw – Grafton
- Mary Eldredge-Sandbo – Des Lacs
- Joan Hansen – Velva
- Linda Hoag – Bismarck
- Robin Jossart - Bismarck
- Susan Klabunde – West Fargo
- Julie Koble – Minot
- Ruby Lawler – Rolla
- Kathleen Lentz – Valley City
- Linda Maize – Beulah
- Karen Preszler – Bismarck
- Teresa Tande – Devils Lake
The following people will be receiving stipends, but were not in attendance on Thursday:
- Jill Grzadzielewski – Grand Forks
- Kristi Marks – Fargo
- Donna Nestoss – Bismarck
- Anna Sell – Oakes
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