National Board Certification holds the promise for raising the quality of the teaching profession. The certification process itself represents the best professional development – it is based on teacher self-reflection and inquiry, linked to the teacher’s own teaching situation and practice, and is collaborative. Advanced certification also creates a high standard for the profession, informing teacher preparation programs, master's degree programs, ongoing professional development, and teacher leadership development.

To be eligible for National Board Certification, teachers must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Have completed three full years of teaching/counseling experience
• Possess a valid state teaching/counseling license for that period of time, or, if teaching where a license is not required, have taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the state

Bakersfield City School District supports the efforts of our teachers seeking National Board Certification by pairing BCSD Nationally Board Certified Teachers with those working on certification to provide support and guidance. For information on receiving support please contact Valerie Saylor at (661) 631-4782.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: https://www.nbpts.org/