How the NBCT Process Changed

my LifeChristina Delk, Heidi Givens, and Melissa VanZant

Eligibility

At least three years experience as a pre-K-12 teacher in a public or private school

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

A valid teaching license

Exceptional Needs Specialist:Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Birth to age 21+

Knowledge of the effects of hearing loss on students’ lives, development, and the learning process

Must have access to three special needs students for the portfolio entries

Certification Process

Two-part assessment: 4 portfolio entries and 6 assessment center exercises

Can be completed in one year, with up to three years to certify

Is based on the standards in each certification area

Exceptional Needs Specialist standards

I. Knowledge of Students

II. Knowledge of Special

Education

III. Communication

IV. Diversity

V. Knowledge of subject matter

VI. Meaningful learning

VII. Multiple paths to knowledge

VIII. Social development

IX. Assessment

X. Learning environment

XI. Instructional resources

XII. Family partnerships

XIII. Reflective practice

XIV. Contributing to the

profession

Assessment : Demonstrating the Standards

Four Portfolio EntriesIncludes videos of large and small group

classroom practicesRequires student work samples

Six Assessment Center ExercisesAre delivered at a computer-based testing

centerAre timed, with open-response prompts

Exceptional Needs SpecialistPortfolio Entries

Entry 1: Assessment Informs

Instruction

Entry 2:Fostering

CommunicationsDevelopment

Entry 3:Enhancing Social

Development

Entry 4:DocumentedAccomplishments

Exceptional Needs SpecialistAssessment Center Exercises

Exercise 1:Behavior Analysis andIntervention (DHH Specific)

Exercise 2:Science and

Mathematics

Exercise 3:Social Studies and the

Arts

Exercise 4:Transition Planning

(DHH Specific)

Exercise 5:Health/PE/Leisure

Exercise 6:Professional

Vocabulary (DHH Specific)

Steps to Begin Your Journey

Apply$65 application feeInitial $500 paymentStart portfolio

SubmitEligibility forms due Dec 31Remaining $2000 due Jan 31Portfolio due March 31Assessment Center Exercises done by June 15

NBCT KY Incentive and Rewards

Salary Supplements- $2000 a year for the life of the certificate (10 years)

Fee supports- Upon certification 75% of the $2500 initial fee less any scholarships, federal subsidies, etc.

Rank change

Participation as a mentor

Why we Pursued Our NBCT in DHH and How it Effected Us

Heidi’s experience…

Christy’s experience…

Melissa’s experience…