At this moment, National Board Candidates from around the country are counting down the hours until scores are released this week and they will finally know if their hard work paid off. That moment, I remember, is stressful and exciting all rolled into one. You’ll click refresh on your laptop, waiting for that screen to change, and maybe, just maybe add those four letters behind your name: NBCT!
There are three options on how those results roll out for you:
Option 1: You’ve submitted some of the components, but are not yet finished the process. I remember this moment too. Far more confusing than waiting on the end results, you get those scores and then the hypothetical math starts. The score calculator became my best friend over the next few days as I plugged the what ifs in. What if I score this on my next component? What if I retake part of the test? What if I scored differently? After spending an unhealthy amount of time number crunching, I finally turned to the feedback from my accessors. While these statements can feel frustrating vague, they come directly from the rubric. Go back to them, and figure out where you can improve before you submit those final pieces.
Option 2: You didn’t certify (yet!). In planning for the National Board process, I anticipated this part; I planned to complete everything in two years with a third to redo any components. That mindset saved me a lot of emotion as I sat waiting for my final results; I knew the third year could be necessary, and if I needed it, I was still committed to finishing the process. There is a lot of disappointment that spills out if you don’t achieve certification. It is frustrating and disheartening, but the biggest thing to remember if this is you, is that you are still an AMAZING teacher. In starting the National Board process, you took a big scary step toward putting your practice on display. Give yourself time to be disappointed and then get back on the horse, because you are so much stronger if you do.
Option 3: Fireworks! There is disbelief and excitement, so much excitement, in that moment you realize you are now a National Board Certified Teacher. Email thank you notes to everyone who supported you along the way and update that email signature to show off your accomplishment to the world. After fireworks exploded on my screen, I wrote this post about what came next in my journey. For me, the next logical step was becoming a Candidate Support Provider (CSP). I wanted to support other teachers going through this process, and it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. So, celebrate, and then think about your next teacher goal, because we all know being a teacher means always being a learner too.
Whatever happens in your National Board journey, be proud of the work you have done in your classroom. The process is tough, and by taking the challenge you are too. Congratulations to those who certify! And to those continuing the work, you got this!
Rachel Perugini
I am originally from Pennsylvania where I earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Shippensburg University. In 2012, I moved to Arizona to teach on the Navajo Reservation; I liked the state so much I decided to stay. I taught language arts, reading, and journalism for three years at Many Farms High School. During that time, I earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction for Reading. In 2015, I moved to Flagstaff where I currently teach 10th and 11th grade English. I have been an avid reader all my life, so I love that my job gives me that chance to read amazing books with my students all day long.
Comments 1
The journey was one to remember for sure! I did the same thing as you, I also felt called to help as a CSP to assist other candidates. It took two years for me to certify, and when I found out I certified, I cried! It was such an accomplishment! I am hoping those that don’t certify yet, keep an open mind and don’t get too disappointed. Hopefully, they look at it as an opportunity to keep growing. We should all keep growing!