While considering how you could further your career as a teacher, earning your National Board Certification is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to doing the absolute best job possible in the classroom. While you can attempt to earn this on your own, specifically designed online Master’s in Education in Educational Theory and Practice programs, like the one from Arkansas State University (A-State), will help prepare you for the reality of accomplishing this goal.
This certification not only benefits teachers professionally. It also shows that those who hold this certification are highly effective teachers, with impressive learning outcomes. There are a few things you can do to get ready for your shot at this certification. Here are a few tips to help you prepare.
Avoid Procrastination
One of the hardest parts of any project is getting started. That is especially true when you are working on something that is self-guided. One way to avoid the issue is to enroll in an online master’s degree in education program that will give you the structure to stay on track throughout your progress.
While some people can manage their own progress, a structured program will help by giving you deadlines. When the work you are doing in your courses aligns with the requirements for certification, it is that much easier to remain on schedule.
Work on Writing
A major portion of the National Board Certification is the written reflection. Consider taking a course specifically aimed at teaching how to write in the manner you will need for the certification. A graduate-level course designed to help you in this process may be the best way to achieve this, although there are other options.
Be aware that you may have to work with editors or proofreaders to hone your work. The writing you will do for this evaluation is reflective and must be descriptive and analytical. For those who teach writing currently, this may be something you are already comfortable with, but if you have not worked on your writing skills in a while, it might be time to brush up.
Be Organized
Since most of this type of program relies on self-guidance and the collection of artifacts over time, you will have to keep all these things organized. Keep each section of your materials separated from the others. By utilizing binders to create sections, you can be ready to submit any section at any time and avoid scrambling to find artifacts to place in a portfolio without knowing exactly where to pull them from.
Develop a timeline and tracking system that helps you monitor which evidence you have already collected and what you still need to gather. Many successful candidates create detailed spreadsheets or checklists that align with each rubric requirement, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This organizational foundation not only reduces stress during the submission process but also allows you to focus your energy on the quality of your reflective writing and the strength of your evidence rather than on logistical concerns.
Further Your Education and Career Today With A-State
As an educator, you know the importance of bringing your best into the classroom each day. By furthering your education and earning an online master’s degree in education while preparing for your National Board Certification, you can be sure that you are going to not only bring your best but also set yourself apart from other educators and be one of the best in the field.
This type of achievement can help open doors for you professionally, but most importantly, it can help you be better for your students. The rigorous process of earning certification deepens your instructional practice and enhances your ability to impact student learning in meaningful ways.
Learn about A-State’s online MSE in Educational Theory and Practice program.