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If you are eligible to renew your National Board Certification, now is the time to begin the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process. Renewing your certification shows that your professional practice continues to meet the high, rigorous standards for your certificate area.
Stay certified and confident! In this one-hour webinar, NBCTs will gain a clear understanding of the MOC process, including timelines, evidence collection, and key requirements. Learn about funding opportunities and discover how the NBRC at Illinois State University supports MOC candidates every step of the way. Register for the webinar HERE.
Fill out the Illinois NB Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Fee Subsidy application online.
Note: Use Mozilla Firefox, Chrome, or Safari for the best experience. Do not use Internet Explorer.
After submitting your application, check the MOC Eligible List to confirm your status. This list includes the names of candidates who have:
The list is updated weekly on the NBRC website (excluding holidays) until the application window closes.
Being marked as ELIGIBLE means you have successfully completed the application and your information has been verified. It does not confirm NBPTS registration or component submission.
If you are approved for the Illinois MOC Fee Subsidy, the $495 will be paid directly to NBPTS on your behalf.
In your NBPTS profile, you will be asked the following question:
“Do you elect to have your name released to third-party agencies that may provide incentives, support, and rewards for teachers seeking National Board Certification?”
To be considered for the Illinois MOC Fee Subsidy, you must answer “YES” to this question.
If you select “NO,” your name will not appear in the reports NBRC uses to determine eligibility and approval.
If you encounter issues with this step or are unable to make changes, please contact NBPTS directly for assistance.
Once all instructions are complete and your eligibility is confirmed via the MOC Eligible Not Purchased report, a date will appear next to your name in the “APPROVED” column on the MOC Eligible List—indicating that you are officially approved for the subsidy.
Applying third party funds: Subsidy payments are paid directly to NBPTS, not to individual candidates. We will notify candidates once NBRC has sent your subsidy payment to NBPTS. After that, you will need to take additional action to apply the subsidy payment to your account. Please read these Instructions for Applying for Third Party Funds from NBPTS (make sure you are paying attention to the MOC instructions, not the instructions for initial certification). NBPTS also provides this Third-Party Payer Funding FAQs for Candidates. If you have additional questions about this process, please contact NBPTS directly
Submit your completed Profile of Professional Growth (PPG) to NBPTS by the NBPTS deadline (actual date determined by NBPTS).
National Board Certification is a rigorous and rewarding process that requires deep reflection and mastery across a range of professional skills. You don’t have to do it alone!
The National Board Resource Center (NBRC) offers a comprehensive candidate support program designed to guide you every step of the way. Through this program, you’ll be placed in a small cohort led by a National Board Certified Professional Learning Facilitator (PCF) who will walk you through each component with structure, encouragement, and expertise.
Break down each component into manageable steps.
.Receive expert guidance and feedback from an NBCT facilitator.
Connect with other candidates in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Stay motivated, organized, and on track for success.
NBRC-trained facilitators lead all cohorts, comprising 12 two-hour sessions.
For candidates retaking components, this online cohort provides structure, guidance, and peer support.
Even if you’re already part of a cohort, having a one-on-one mentor can make a big difference in your National Board journey. Mentors offer personalized guidance, help you stay on track, and provide valuable feedback tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, need a second set of eyes on your writing, or just want extra encouragement, we’re here to help. Requesting a mentor is a smart step toward success.
As a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), you’ve demonstrated that your practice meets the standards of accomplished teaching in your certificate area. However, coaching adults through the National Board process requires a distinct set of skills and knowledge.
To support this important work, the NBRC offers a series of trainings—developed by NBCTs—for NBCTs. These trainings are designed to help you:
Contact the NBRC to learn more about requirements and opportunities to support candidates.
Are you an NBCT interested in supporting candidates on their National Board journey? The Intent to Mentor form is your first step toward becoming a Mentor Coach or Professional Learning Facilitator with the National Board Resource Center (NBRC) at Illinois State University.
By submitting your intent, you’ll help us plan for upcoming candidate support needs and training opportunities. Completing this form does not commit you to a role—it simply lets us know you’re interested in coaching or facilitating candidates during the upcoming certification cycle.
We’re looking for passionate NBCTs who want to make a difference by guiding others through the rigorous and rewarding National Board process.
The 2024-2025 Statement of Intent to Provide Mentoring and/or Professional Development is to be completed only if you are an eligible Illinois National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) who intends to mentor during the 2024-2025 school year. Mentoring hours can be logged between August 10, 2024, and May 4, 2025.
An annual incentive of no more than $2,250.00, prorated at $50.00 per hour for up to 45 hours, shall be paid to each qualified educator currently employed as a full-time teacher or counselor in an Illinois public school district or retired from an Illinois public school, who:
NOTE: Retired teachers are required to obtain a letter from the Illinois pension system from which it is being drawn. This letter is to be emailed to nbresourcecenter@illinoisstate.edu.
All NBCTs (including retired teachers) will receive payment to their home address rather than through their district. If the NBCT is not already a vendor in our system, they must complete a W-9 form. We will determine your vendor status upon completion and approval of up to 45 hours. If a W-9 is required, it will be sent to you with the other required documents in your attestation email.
Funds will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to teachers employed by low-income or low-performing schools.
To be eligible for mentor compensation, NBCTs must complete and submit the Statement of Intent to Provide Mentoring and/or Professional Development Application no later than February 16, 2025.
NOTE: Completing this application does not obligate you to mentor or provide professional development, nor does it guarantee you a mentoring position.
Disclaimer: All presentation opportunities must be approved in advance by the NBRC Director.
NOTE: The NBCT is responsible for locating teachers and/or NB candidates to mentor or provide professional development.
The exception will be for those NBCTS selected as mentors/coaches through the NBRC Candidate Mentor/Coach training matching.
Read all information thoroughly for understanding.
Complete the Practice Intent to Mentor application before proceeding to the Intent to Mentor Online application.
Complete the Intent to Mentor Online application (opened on August 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM).
Check for your name on the Intent to Mentor Approval List.
The Intent to Mentor Online Application must be submitted by midnight on February 16, 2025. Late forms will not be accepted.
For assistance regarding Intent to Mentor issues, please contact nbresourcecenter@illinoisstate.edu. Due to the large number of emails generated by the Intent to Mentor application, please allow 5-7 business days for a response.
Within 7-10 business days of completing the Intent to Mentor application and being approved, you will receive an email containing the link to log mentor hours. Please save this email, as the link to the form is not available anywhere on this website. If your name is on the Approval list and it’s been 14 days since it was last updated, and you haven’t received the approval email, please check your spam folder. If it’s not there, please email nbresourcecenter@illinoisstate.edu.
Before logging any mentor hours, please carefully review this guide for important information on Intent to Mentor policies and procedures, as well as guidance on describing your mentoring activities.
To qualify for the compensation for mentoring, you must complete and submit the Documentation of Mentoring Services between August 10, 2024, and midnight on May 4, 2025.
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.
Review the FY25 $3K Incentive – Tier 1 & 2 Eligibility by Locale Codes document to determine if your school building is eligible. Note: Your school building—not just your district—must be listed.
If your school appears in the FY25 eligibility report, submit the $3,000 NBCT Incentive application.
Note: Deadline to be announced. Late applications will not be accepted.
The NBRC will review your submission and post eligible applicants to the Incentive Approval List, updated weekly until the application window closes.
If you are found eligible, the NBRC will contact you with instructions to complete and return an affidavit/attestation.
You will receive an email with all necessary steps for submission.
Once approved, your name will appear on the Incentive Approval List.
For questions about eligibility, technical issues, or application processing, please contact: NBResourceCenter@illinoisstate.edu
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) continues to demonstrate its support for the significant impact of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), particularly in enhancing teaching and student learning in Illinois’ most under-resourced schools.
If you are an NBCT working in a qualifying school, you may be eligible for a $4,000 annual retention incentive for up to two consecutive years. We encourage you to contact your state legislators to express your appreciation for their ongoing support of this important initiative.
A “hard-to-staff school” is defined by the Illinois Administrative Code [105 ILCS 5/21B-70] as:
“A public school in which no less than 30% of student enrollment is considered low-income, as reported by the Illinois School Report Card under Section 10-17a of this Code.”
On or after February 1, 2025, check the FY25 Annual Eligibility Report for the list of qualifying schools for the 2024–2025 incentive cycle. There are currently 2,945 eligible schools that may employ educators who meet the criteria above.
Data on these sites is updated annually by ISBE. If your school does not appear on the eligibility list, consult the Illinois Report Card Business Rules for clarification. For questions regarding business rules, email: reportcard@isbe.net.
Data on these sites is updated annually by ISBE. If your school does not appear on the eligibility list, consult the Illinois Report Card Business Rules for clarification. For questions regarding business rules, email: reportcard@isbe.net.
Do not apply unless you are an eligible NBCT employed in a qualifying “hard-to-staff” school.
You will not be eligible if you fail to meet any of the above criteria.
Eligibility is not determined by the NBRC. The list of eligible schools is created and released annually by ISBE.
In addition to state-funded incentives, many Illinois school districts offer their own financial rewards, stipends, or salary advancements to National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). These local incentives recognize the value NBCTs bring to their schools and communities. We encourage you to check with your district’s Human Resources or Teaching & Learning office to learn more about available opportunities.
Here is a list of the Illinois School Districts that currently offer financial incentives to NBCTs.
Help us continue to provide excellent support for you by updating your information. Remember, all schools have firewalls that block our emails. Please provide a personal email address for the NBRC.