National Board Certification News
The 2011-2012 NBCT stipend has been eliminated.
Call for Action:
NBCTs:
It is time to get involved. Ed has contacted our lobbyist to start working to repeal this decision and is working with the Oklahoma City Foundation to explore other ways to help finance National Board stipends. State Representative Mike Brown has filed legislation to reinstate the stipend. The link to the Tahlequah news article is http://tahlequahdailypress.com/local/x66810744/Brown-files-teacher-stipend-legislation. However, we must all do our part. If you are not sure who you need to contact, there is a link at the bottom of this page. To stay updated on the National Board developments, join the Facebook group called Oklahoma National Board Certified Teachers.
Below is an excerpt from an e-mail that Jennifer Gambrell, ELO Coordinator, sent to NBCTs.
After last week’s news that the National Board stipends had been completely cut out of the State Department of Education’s budget, there have been a few questions. We will try to answer those questions so you will know what is going on and what you can do to help the situation.
The fact is that because of the budget shortage and Superintendent’s promise to school administrators to fund the flexible benefits and retirement for teachers, the stipends for National Board have been completely cut out – which means NBCTs will not receive a stipend in January. (Other areas completely cut – A+ schools, Adult Education, Charter Schools incentives, instructional cooperative and technical education, Middle school math labs, robotics, schools attuned, Literacy First, Great Expectation, and Child Service Demonstration Centers). Superintendent Barresi keeps repeating that it is heartbreaking. This is more than heartbreaking, this is breaking a promise to reward teachers that go above and beyond to better themselves, their teaching and improve student learning! You cannot take this sitting down. I repeat – You Cannot Take This Sitting Down! There should be 3,000 phone calls, emails, personal visits or contacts to your legislators about this. At this point you have nothing to lose – zero stipends and zero scholarships.
NBCT Network – all NBCTs and candidates are members, but we have to have accurate contact information, if you have not filled out a NBCT Network form, contact me.
o Tell your story – think about the changes in your teaching and student learning that evolved because of National Board. We know this is the best (personal) professional development that is available to teachers. We also know the most important part of improving student learning is the teacher and a National Board Certified Teacher is the KEY in Student Learning.
o Write to your local newspaper- write about how NB improved your teaching and how this was a promise from the Oklahoma Legislators to reward your effort. This is as close to merit pay that we have.
o Contact Superintendent Barresi’s office – let her know how heartbroken you are.
o Get involved with a group that supports National Board – find out what is going on in the state and stay informed.
To find your legislator visit the website http://www.oklegislature.gov/ and click on Legislators. We are working on this issue, but it is time for all of us to take action.
Are you interested in becoming a National Board Certified Teacher?
Check out these websites for additional information and scholarship opportunities.
Questions?
The following link is an excellent resource for National Board candidates
http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/downloads/teachers/nbpts.pdf
If you have any questions about National Board, contact:
Mary Best – mary@okcaft.org