Note: Please refer to the
Fiscal Issues Relating to Budget Reductions and Flexibility Provisions guidance letter for information on provisions that apply to all programs. The letter covers such matters as the public hearing requirement, base year funding provisions, and how funding reductions will be calculated.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
(NBPTS)
- Who qualifies for the $20,000 incentive award?
National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) who are employed by
a California public school district or charter school and who
are assigned to teach at least 50 percent time in a high-priority
school for four years are eligible for $20,000.
The award is paid in $5,000 payments for four consecutive
years. Districts must verify, each year, that teachers have met the percentage requirement before funds can be released to make each $5,000 payment.
- What defines a high-priority school?
A high-priority school means a school in the bottom half of
all schools based on the Academic
Performance Index (API) statewide rankings. The baseline
API ranking for purposes of this award will be from the previous
year. For example, a teacher notified that he or she has become
National Board Certified in fall 2009 will use the 2008 API
statewide rank to establish their eligibility for the award.
- What does "assigned to teach" mean?
For purposes of eligibility for this award, "assigned
to teach" may include, but is not limited to, a teacher leadership
role as a peer assistance and review coach, mentor, or other
teacher support provider, if the position does not require an
administrative credential.
- If I teach in a high-priority school that improves
over the next four years, do I continue to receive the $5,000
annual payments?
Yes, to qualify for the $20,000 award, a teacher must be assigned
to teach in a high-priority school in the first year of the
award. If this same high-priority school improves so that it
is no longer considered a high-priority school, the teacher
will still receive each of the $5,000 annual payments for four
years. If the teacher moves to another school that is not a
high-priority school, he or she will no longer qualify for the
remaining $5,000 payments.
- Do I still receive the $5,000 annual payments if I
move to another high-priority school either in my own district
or in a new district?
Yes, NBCTs may receive the annual $5,000 payment for four consecutive years
if they are teaching in any high-priority public school in California.
- If I have been teaching in a high-priority school
for a number of years and I become National Board Certified,
do I receive the full $20,000 award right away?
No, the $20,000 award is not retroactive.
- Is my incentive award considered salary and is it
counted toward retirement?
According to CalSTRS Employer Directive 2002-03, the state incentive
awards are not creditable compensation for retirement purposes.
If a district provides a salary incentive (employer to employee)
then that money is considered creditable compensation.
- Is my incentive award taxable?
Yes, the $5,000 payment is considered salary and thereby subject to both state and federal taxes.
- If I haven't already received an incentive award,
may I still apply for an award this year even if I achieved
national certification in a prior year?
Yes, as long as the award is funded and you meet all current requirements,
you may apply for the award within the application window. The award is granted
only once, but that does not mean you must apply in any particular
year.
- If I applied for and received a $20,000 incentive
award, do I have to apply each year to continue the award?
No, your award will continue for four consecutive years unless
you move to a school that is not considered "high-priority."
Your name will be included on the District Application and Verification
of Eligibility form that is sent to your district each year.
- Do I need to contact the California Department of
Education (CDE) if I change schools or districts?
No. You need to update your Response Profile on the NB My Profile Web site.
