Teachers applying for National Board Certification for the first time.

WCPSS supports teachers by providing:

• Virtual info sessions
• Cohort-based collaboration opportunities
• Assigned support coaches
• Saturday work sessions led by NBCT coaches
• Resources and informational updates on our intranet: WakeConnect
• District email list 

For full details, visit the National Board website.

Current NBCTs who are renewing their certification through the MOC process.

Beginning in 2021, NBCTs renew their certification through the MOC process. WCPSS supports renewing teachers by providing:

• Virtual info sessions
• Cohort-based collaboration opportunities
• Assigned support coaches
• Saturday work sessions led by NBCT coaches
• Resources and informational updates on our intranet: WakeConnect
• District email list 

For full MOC details, visit the National Board website.

Early-career teachers engaged in professional learning and practice assignments to increase familiarity with the National Board Certification process.

Wake County is home to the nation's first district-led program helping early career teachers prepare to begin the Board certification process. Teachers participate in four virtual professional learning sessions and complete homework assignments designed to prepare them to begin the formal National Board Certification process during a future school year. 

All beginning teachers interested in learning about the National Board Certification are encouraged to participate.

B2BC Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beginner to Board Certified (B2BC)?
B2BC is a semester-long professional learning opportunity for Beginning Teachers who want to work with other BTs to complete a series of practice assignments designed to teach them about the Board certification process and prepare them for future National Board candidacy.

Who can participate in B2BC?
WCPSS teachers who are in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of teaching (BT-1, BT-2, BT-3), who are not actively pursuing National Board Certification during the current school year are invited to join B2BC.

When should I participate in B2BC?
BTs should participate in B2BC the year before they plan to begin the National Board Certification process to prepare for their Board journey the following year.

I am a BT and have decided to begin the National Board Certification process this year. Can I still participate in B2BC?
Teachers who are actively pursuing National Board Certification are not the target audience 
for this program. B2BC is intended as preparatory professional learning the year prior to beginning the National Board Certification process. Active National Board candidates are encouraged to participate in district support cohorts and take advantage of resources that are offered by NBPTS. 

Is participation in B2BC required?
No. B2BC is a unique professional learning opportunity for WCPSS BTs. It is provided as a resource for WCPSS BTs who want to become more familiar with the Board certification process before they become National Board candidates. Participation is voluntary.    

In the past, B2BC was only open to third year teachers (BT-3). What changed?
Effective September 19, 2022, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) implemented a policy change allowing teachers to begin the Board certification process before completing three years of successful teaching. Since teachers are no longer required to wait until their fourth year of teaching to pursue Board certification, the district’s B2BC program has been reimagined and is now open to all of our Beginning Teachers, not just BT-3s.

When are B2BC meetings held?
B2BC meetings are held monthly during the months of January, February, March, and April.  

What should I do if I am interested in learning more about the B2BC program?
Attend the annual virtual B2BC Interest Meeting that is held annually during the Fall semester. A recording is also posted on WakeConnect for future viewing.

How do I register for the B2BC program?
A registration link will be emailed to BTs and posted on WakeConnect following the Fall B2BC Interest Meeting. 

Yes, if you:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Have a valid teaching or school counseling license
• Meet state-specific teaching requirements

Yes. If you're an eligible teacher in North Carolina, you can apply for a state loan that covers the full $1,900 cost of the National Board assessment. This loan, offered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), allows you to pay for components as you submit them ($475 each). To qualify, you must:

• Be paid entirely from state funds
• Have at least three full years of teaching experience in NC public schools (including DOC, DHHS, Office of Juvenile Justice, and public charter schools)
• Hold a valid, clear, Continuing Standard Professional II NC teaching license
• Spend at least 70% of your work time in direct classroom instruction, library/media, or school counseling

For more information, visit NCSEAA’s website; access the state loan application on the NCDPI website.

In addition to the loan program, North Carolina offers several supports for eligible teachers pursuing certification:

• Paid release time: Up to three days off for candidates who qualify for the state loan
• Licensure renewal credit: Applied during the NC licensure cycle in which they are earned
  • 8.0 CEUs for attempting and/or completing all components.
  • 2.0 CEUs for successful renewal of National Board Certification (2 for content or 2 for general)
• Salary supplement: Employees who occupy eligible positions receive a 12% pay increase to their state base salary for the duration of the certification.

These benefits recognize the commitment and impact of National Board Certified Teachers across the state.

Contact our support team at boardcertified@wcpss.net or visit the National Board website to explore requirements and timelines.