about the project

The National Board Support Network at WestEd engages in a number of activities to advance National Board Certification in the western region. These activities include:

• presentations and introductory seminars for a variety of educational groups to build awareness of National Board Certification and recruit candidates;
  
• facilitator seminars and semi-monthly network meetings to build the capacity of support providers who assist candidates; and
  
• an online communication system for network members to share challenges, celebrations, and information.

The growing number of participants include staff developers, teacher educators, policymakers, National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), and candidates who are committed to supporting National Board Certification in a variety of ways. Some members conduct their own support groups and mentor candidates; others are interested in integrating the National Board standards and processes into their teacher education and professional development programs; and still others are policymakers from organizations such as the California Department of Education.

This work is supported by grants from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The Stuart Foundation, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.