The Colorado Department of Education has announced that two hundred scholarships are now available for teachers seeking national board certification. That’s a rigorous 1-year process for experienced teachers.
“National board certification is the highest pinnacle; it’s the highest certification you can get teaching. It’s a national certification and it’s about meeting high and rigorous standards of accomplished teaching,” says Nancy Shakowski, regional outreach director for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
But the process is pricey – costing about $3,000. State funding for scholarships had run out, but Governor John Hickenlooper has approved the use of unspent recovery act funds for $750 scholarships. In addition, teachers can apply for a federal scholarship of $1,250.
“It’s an important step as we look at effective teaching and want to get the most effective teachers in classrooms because we want to increase student learning and student achievement,” says Shakowski.
The scholarship window is open until December first.
