I have become a better educator because I am intentional and reflective when planning my lessons. I create opportunities for my students to assess their work and build relationships with them by talking to them about their interests, progress, and next steps.
UCLA National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
Our mission is to create an inclusive, collaborative community where teachers refine their practice through careful analysis and meaningful reflection. We strive to make every session a model of accomplished teaching where diverse members are encouraged to learn and grow, together, as professional educators.
The UCLA National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Project is committed to supporting educators pursuing the rigorous National Board Certification Process. National Board Certification is a nation-wide certification, recognizing the work of accomplished teachers and their contributions to student achievement. The UCLA NBPTS Project has been supporting National Board candidates for over twenty-five years, offering support throughout a candidate’s certification journey. The UCLA NBPTS Project brings accomplished teaching to the forefront by supporting educators to achieve the highest level of teaching excellence.
Quotes from Participants
The support that UCLA played a positive role in the process. They clarified my questions, guided me, and supported me with the process. This process challenges you, but from those challenges you only become a better educator than when you started. Having a support system during the process is very important.
Start early, don’t wait until the last minute; attend the sessions because it helps fine tune and confirm what to, how to, etc.
I was burnt out. Going through this process has reignited my energy, reflection, and outlook towards teaching.
The UCLA NBPTS did exactly what we learned we need to do in the classroom. That practice was to provide small steps to accomplish the large goal of meeting all the requirements. The small step by step planning focused on success that would provide the end result of passing all the components in the NBPTS. The leaders were very knowledgeable, prepared, kind, and welcoming in all ways. This is a wonderful program.
You are already an accomplished teacher so don’t get discouraged and give up on this journey! Connect the NBPTS standards to your own teaching practices and start taking notes using the standards language. If possible, take advantage of purchasing one-on-one support because it is worth every penny!!
I could not have done it without my 1:1 facilitator.
My certification was in early literacy, but the process also impacted the way I teach other subjects, how I work with my colleagues and admin, and the relationships I build with my students and their families.
The UCLA NBPTS Project stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We pledge to actively work to dismantle the systemic racism that is present in education. That work begins with us as we examine our day-to-day practice as teachers. Every child deserves to experience the positive impact that an accomplished Black educator can have on their learning. We support candidates who want to be more thoughtful, more informed, more intentional teacher-activists in their educational settings.
