If you clicked on this blog post today, chances are you are working on, or have achieved certification with National Boards for Professional Teaching (NBPT). When I thought about next steps/challenges for my teaching career I thought I might give it a try. I already tackled Reading Recovery training, multiple college degrees, and advanced coaching training. “Hey, let’s check out National Board Certification” I thought.

When I looked at the the 5 Core Propositions for accomplished teachers, I truly embraced and believed in all of them:

• 1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
• 2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
• 3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
• 4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
• 5. Teachers are members of learning communities.

So last year several teachers from my district and I embarked on this journey together. We tackled components 1 (a grueling test) and 2 (differentiated instruction that never seemed good enough!) last year and now we are up to our eyeballs this spring in components 3 (the dreaded video taping) and 4 (being an effective/reflective practitioner).

It’s frustrating, exhausting, and truly eye-opening.  I’ve never dissected my teaching so many different ways. I’ve never questioned everything I did to the nth degree. (Well, Reading Recovery training may have caused as much guilt-ridden reflection, but enough time has passed that it’s all a pleasant memory now!)

I don’t think I could do it without my colleagues to collaborate and console, to nudge and to nag. Thank you Caroline, Katie, Maureen, and Gigi. We’re getting closer each day to that May 15 deadline. We’ll upload that last file, hit submit, and …

wait 6-7 months for the results!

Here’s to any of you slicers who are trying to plug away at NBPT work and slice each day. You’ve got moxie and motivation! Now go back through your writing and make sure it is clear, consistent, and convincing!!