The NBCT Profile and Financial W-9 Form 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 2021-2022 bonus cycle.  Final verified payments will be disbursed by the local educational agency (LEA) by June 30, 2022.

What does it mean to beNational Board Certified Teachers?

Teachers who receive the National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) certification (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.

Have you added master designation to your license? As a National Board Certified Teacher, you are eligible. Learn more on the Master Teacher Designation Pathways page.

Arkansas Candidate Support for National Board Certified Teachers

At this time, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is not providing state funding for component submissions or release days. However, an annual bonus will be paid up to a possible 10 years once certification is received.

2021 National Board Orientation Recording

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 registrations in the different areas of the state. In 2020-2021, these meetings will be held virtually. Support meetings are facilitated by Arkansas NBCTs and provide guidance and resources to NBCT candidates as they prepare their NBCTs submissions. 

Site Facilitators for the 2020-2021 School Year

Component Cost Reimbursement

Reimbursement of one component may be available after bonuses are paid. This reimbursement is for candidates with passing scores who have not received previous support funding. If a candidate is interested, please review the attachment of the Reimbursement Application. This application is due each year in May. Bloomboard and National Board have financial options. Please call our office to learn more. 

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