Professional Development
Graduate Credit Hours
The Teachers College at ESU's Great Plains Center for National Teacher Certification has a long-standing working partnership with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This partnership is based on the belief that NBPTS programs represent the highest quality professional development experiences for classroom teachers on a national level.
The Great Plains Center awards graduate credit for teachers engaging in the NBCT process and achieving NBCT status. Educators may select from the following to receive credit:
- Work towards achieving NBCT status
- Work towards achieving NBCT renewal
- Serve as a NBPTS assessor
Fees associated with the national board process are separate from any costs assessed for seeking graduate credit.
Contact Alvin Peters, Great Plains Director, to find out which course best suits your needs.
EL/ED 743. SPECIAL STUDIES IN EDUCATION - 2 or 3 HRS
This course is for NBCT renewal candidates and assessors.
To provide in-depth studies in specific dimensions of teaching, such as techniques of questioning, evaluation of instruction and evaluation of curriculum. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Consent of the instructor or department chair is needed prior to enrollment.
EL/ED 842. NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT - 3 HRS
This course is designed to provide teachers with the basic requirements for portfolio development as designed by the NBPTS. Students will have an opportunity to review and study the current portfolio manuals and standards document in their respective disciplines/developmental levels, and examine other relevant publications from the NBPTS. Students will also receive guidance and consultation that will be helpful in gathering and organizing the supportive professional documentation required for the NBPTS assessment procedures.
EL/ED 843. NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION SCHOOL-BASED PROJECT - 6 HRS
This course is for teachers who are candidates for certification as designed by the NBPTS. Provides professional support and guidance for teachers during the academic year they are completing the two components of the NBPTS assessment process--the school-site portfolio, and the written assessment center exercises.