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One-Time $3,000 Incentive for EBF Tier 1 and Tier 2 Rural & Remote National Board Certified Teachers

Application for FY25 | Application Opens: February 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM | Application Closes: March 30, 2025 at 12:00 Midnight

The Illinois State Board of Education is showing their support for the positive impact that National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) make through improving teaching and student learning for Illinois' most under-resourced students in rural or remote areas. Please take a moment to contact your state representatives to thank them for their continued support in funding incentives for NBCTs.

This application is to be completed only if you are an eligible Illinois National Board Certified Teacher. A one-time $3,000 incentive shall be paid to each qualified educator who:

  • is currently employed as a full-time teacher or counselor in an Illinois public school AND
  • holds a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designation on their Illinois Professional Educator License AND
  • is a current National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) AND
  • is employed in a school district classified as Tier 1 or Tier 2 (current year Evidence Based Formula) AND
  • is employed in a Rural or Remote district OR a Rural or Remote school (if not employed in a Rural or Remote district) - Local Codes 33, 41, 42, or 43.

Please check the report below for more information about your district or school. To clarify your eligibility, you will find an exhaustive list of all Rural or Remote Illinois schools by school locale code and/or district locale code. You are also welcome to view the NCES website for additional information about your district's or school's locale code and the ISBE EBF Quick Facts document to find your district's tier. As a reminder, codes 33, 41, 42, or 43 are the codes that qualify for the incentive.

You can also look over this flowchart to get an idea of whether you may qualify for this incentive.

Report: FY24 3K Incentive - Tier 1 & 2 Eligibility by Locale Codes

NBCTs must complete and submit the $3K Incentive application to confirm their eligibility:

  1. Search for your school on the FY24 3K Incentive - Tier 1 & 2 Eligibility by Locale Codes document.
  2. If you see your school building (not your district) listed on the FY24 3K Incentive - Tier 1 & 2 Eligibility by Locale Code document, complete the application. Applications are due date to come. Late applications will not be accepted. Please allow 5-7 business days for your application to be processed. Eligible educators are posted to the Incentive Approval List weekly until the application closes.
  3. The NBRC will contact you based on your eligibility. If you are found eligible, please sign and return the affidavit/attestation.

IMPORTANT: After verifying your application information, you will receive an email outlining the steps to complete and submit an affidavit/attestation form.

After you are found eligible, you can check for your name on the Approval List.

For assistance regarding technical or processing issues, don't hesitate to contact NBResourceCenter@illinoisstate.edu .

**NOTE: If you are not currently an NBCT but would like to learn more about the application process, please visit our Application for the Illinois National Board First Time Candidate Fee Subsidy page.