3K Incentive

$3,000 NBCT Incentive for Educators in Rural or Remote Illinois Schools

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) continues to support the powerful impact National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have on student learning—especially in under-resourced rural or remote communities. Their ongoing investment in incentive funding recognizes the commitment of NBCTs to improving teaching and outcomes for Illinois’ most underserved students.

We encourage you to take a moment to thank your state representatives for supporting this important initiative.

Application Process

Instead of a traditional application process, the NBRC is collaborating with ISBE to identify NBCTs who are eligible for the 3K and 4K incentives based on their ELIS account information. If you are found eligible, you will receive a congratulations email from the NBRC with details on how to claim your incentive.

Please make sure that your personal contact information is up to date at the NBRC. Update your information at this link.

In addition, your NBCT designation MUST BE in your ELIS account to be found eligible for the incentive. If your designation is not on your account, please complete this survey to provide ISBE with the needed information to update your account. If your school, FTE, or other information is incorrect, please contact your district’s HR department.

ISBE will begin processing eligible NBCTs in March and the NBRC will send notification emails to those who qualify in April.

Need Help?

For questions about eligibility, technical issues, or application processing, please contact: NBResourceCenter@illinoisstate.edu

Eligibility Criteria

  • This $3,000 one-time incentive is available only to eligible Illinois NBCTs. To qualify, all of the following must apply:
  • You are currently employed full-time as a teacher or counselor in an Illinois public school
  • You hold a valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) designation on your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
  • You are a current NBCT
  • You are employed in a school district classified as Tier 1 or Tier 2 under the current year’s Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula
  • You are employed in:
  • A Rural or Remote district OR
  • A Rural or Remote school (if the district itself is not Rural or Remote)
  • Qualifying locale codes: 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43

How to Verify Eligibility

1. Check the Eligibility Report
On or after February 1, 2026, check the FY26 Annual Eligibility Report for the list of qualifying schools for the 2025–2026 incentive cycle. 
 
2. Review Additional Resources