NBCT Academies 

For the 2022-2023 school year, the DESE is providing support opportunities specifically for districts with underrepresented National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT).  To see if your district qualifies for the academies, click HERE.  Academies are hosted this year through the University of Arkansas Little Rock and BloomBoard, Inc.  All related fees and component submissions are covered by the academy. To learn about each option and which may be best for you, click below. 
University of Arkansas Little Rock Academy
BloomBoard, Inc. Academy  Sorry, all academies have been filled at this time.

What does it mean to be a National Board Certified Teacher?

Teachers who receive the National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) licensure (which can take up to three years to complete) have demonstrated their understanding of national, rigorous teaching standards as well as their ability to implement educational practices that are research-based. Those who achieve certification are also eligible to receive the Master Professional Educator designation on their teaching license. 

Arkansas Candidate Support for National Board Certified Teachers

Currently, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is not providing state funding for the four component submissions or release days. However, an annual bonus will be paid up to a possible 10 years once certification is achieved. Support meetings are held at various sites throughout the state for NBCT candidates. These meetings begin in the fall and continue through the spring. Locations of support sites are determined by the number of registrants in the different areas of the state. In 2022-2023, these meetings will be held in person and virtually at the discretion of the site facilitator.  Support meetings are facilitated by Arkansas NBCTs and provide guidance and resources to NBCT candidates as they prepare their components for submission. 

Component Cost Reimbursement

Reimbursement of one component may be available after bonuses are paid. This reimbursement is for initial candidates with passing scores who have not received previous funding support. If a candidate is interested, please review the requirements on the Reimbursement Application. This application is due each year by May 1. Please call our office to learn more. 

The NBCT Profile  and  Financial W-9 forms are no longer required as part of the bonus payment process.  NBCTs are able to verify their NBCT status in the state eFinance system with their local office personnel. The DESE will use this system to initially verify bonus payments for the 2022-2023 bonus cycle.  Final verified payments will be disbursed by the local educational agency (LEA) by June 30, 2023.

For more information, please contact:

Darlene Kirkpatrick, National Board, and Opportunity Culture School Advisor
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Four Capitol Mall, Room 108B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-683-1524
Darlene.Kirkpatrick@ade.arkansas.gov