NTL CTE
We are writing from Nurturing Teacher Leadership (NTL), the CPS/CTU program that supports National Board Certification in CPS. We are reaching out to you and other Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers to encourage you to join more than 2400 CPS teachers and become a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) in your CTU specialty area. As education focuses on the real-world application of student learning, the CTU and the CTU Foundation join CPS CEO Pedro Martinez in wanting more CTE teachers represented among our NBCTs.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) recognizes that the United States requires a well-educated workforce of skilled graduates. They must think critically, collaborate productively, and innovate fearlessly to strengthen our economy and remain competitive in the global marketplace. The instruction delivered within CTE programs directly addresses the contemporary needs of 21st century business and industry. Such instruction is addressed by the National Board’s CTE Standards which describe what CTE teachers should know and be able to do in their classrooms. (https://www.nbpts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EAYA-CTE.pdf).
The National Board Certification process has been described by teachers who have achieved this certification as the best professional development they have ever done because it is tailored to your classroom, your students, your subject area, and your practice. Board certification is available in 8 CTE pathways: Business, Marketing, and Financial Services; Community Services; Decorative Arts and Design; Engineering, Design, and Fabrication; Information Systems and Technology; Communications, and the Arts; Leisure and Recreation Services; Natural Resources, and Transportation Systems and Services for CTE teachers of students in grades 6 through 12. Each specialty area establishes broad parameters for CTE teachers due to both the variance and the common themes cutting across the career pathways. The distinct and industry-specific bodies of knowledge in each of these 8 pathways are described on pages 35-50 of the Standards – the link above takes you to the Standards.
After reading them, do you see yourself teaching in one of the specialty areas? If so, NBC is for you.
Benefits of National Board Certification in CPS
- Our contract provides an annual pensionable stipend of $2295 which will increase in the next contract.
- Teachers can earn a Master’s degree and/or graduate credit while going through the NBC process if they have a Bachelor’s degree, moving them to Lane 5 of the CPS pay scale.
The Process and Cost
- Nurturing Teacher Leadership supports candidates who are CTU members in the 2-year process leading to National Board Certification. Professional Development and candidate support is provided through meeting with CPS NBCT mentors and colleagues 3 Thursday evenings and 1 Saturday a month during the school year. Required Summer Institutes take place the first week in August 2023 and 2024. Between classes, candidates work on their National Board portfolio by analyzing their students’ work, assessment data, and videos of their teaching.
- CPS totally funds this support, and NTL ensures active CPS CTE candidates access the ISBE fee subsidy that pays the $1900 application fee to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Candidates pay only a $75 registration fee to NBPTS each year of the two years of candidacy, and pay for any graduate credits they take through NTL at a reduced rate.
Qualifications and Requirements for Candidacy
- Candidates registering for the CTE certificate must meet ISBE requirements for their current Illinois teaching license or license with stipulations. (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/career-technical-educator.aspx)
- Candidates must have completed at least their 3rd year of teaching in their CTE area by August 2023.
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional career? NTL is now recruiting candidates for the 2023-2025 school years. Begin the journey to National Board Certification, and join us virtually on Wednesday, October 26, from 5:00 until 8:30 PM. The flier with more information and links to registration is attached. Or go to www.ctuf.org/NTL for further information and to register for the 10/26 NBC Recruitment meeting. Please contact Lynn Cherkasky-Davis at LynnCherkasky-Davis@ctuf.org with any questions.
