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Who can apply for this
program?
This is a master’s program
designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and
professionalism of licensed teachers through courses
that focus on the teaching outcomes as identified by the
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as
well as the Iowa Quality Teaching Standards.
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How do I apply for this degree?
Complete the St. Ambrose
University application for graduate studies and send a
$25 application fee. You will be asked to write a
personal essay demonstrating that your reasons for
pursuing this degree are commensurate with the goals of
the NBPTS and the ITQS. You will need official
transcripts from your undergraduate degree-granting
institution and any from institutions where graduate
work has been completed.
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Can I just take courses if
I do not wish to seek the degree?
Special student status can be
granted by the director and the Chair of the Department
of Education at SAU.
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How long will it take me to
complete my degree?
Ten of the eleven classes that
make up the program - the exception is the Writing
Institute – are delivered in an accelerated format of
eight-week courses that meet one time per week. The
program is designed to be completed in a span of two
years.
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What is the timetable for
applying for the program?
The program will run as a
cohort with each new cohort beginning in the spring
semester.
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Where and when will the
course be offered?
Most classes are held at St.
Ambrose University’s Continuing Studies and Conference
Center at 1950 East 54th Street, Davenport.
The center provides a state-of-the-art learning
environment that includes internet access in all rooms;
convenient, free parking; handicap accessibility;
a lounge with vending machines; and classrooms
outfitted with tables and comfortable, upholstered
chairs. Classes will be offered at night or on Saturdays
to accommodate teachers’ schedules. Some courses are offered online.
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How will this degree help me as a
teacher?
In addition to achieving a
master’s degree at the end of the two year coursework,
participants will develop a portfolio which may be
submitted to the National Board for certification.
Courses are designed around the NB Standards and the
process of achieving certification. Teachers will
examine their work in line with the Standards and
reflect on their practice of improving student learning
and achievement. Many refer to this NB certification
process as the “best professional development” of their
careers.
In addition, teachers may elect to receive a reading
endorsement as part of this degree.
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What is
National Board Certification?
It is a voluntary
performance-based assessment through which candidates
demonstrate in-depth content knowledge and teaching
practices measured against high and rigorous standards.
NBPTS offers 24 certificates covering a variety of
subject areas and student age groups. As the highest
symbol of professional teaching excellence, National
Board Certification is a credential attesting to the
fact that a teacher or school counselor has been judged
as one who is accomplished, makes sound professional
judgments about students’ learning and acts effectively
on those judgments.
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Will NB Certification
replace my state teaching license?
No, the NB Certification
complements but does not replace state licensing. States
and local education agencies use it as a means to
identify, reward, and retain highly qualified educators.
In addition, many use it as an option for advanced
licensing status or for additional monetary
compensation.
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Is there any research that says
National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are effective
in improving student achievement?
Yes, research (2004) from the
University of Washington and the Urban Institute studied
more than 600,000 records from third, fourth, and fifth
grade students in North Carolina and found that NBCTs do
a measurably better job in the classroom. Their students
improved an average of 7% more on year-end math and
reading tests than students of non-NBCTs. Another
study by researchers (2004) at Arizona State University
showed students of NBCTs in 14 different Arizona
districts outperformed their schoolmates.
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Do I have to apply for NB Certification as part of
this program?
No, participants will be
expected to complete the portfolio, but application to
NB is voluntary.
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What are the tuition costs
and other fees association with this program? Are there
any scholarships available?
Tuition for the 2007-08 academic year is $380 per credit hour. There a limited amount of
financial aid available. The St. Ambrose University
Office for Financial Aid provides information on loans
for graduate studies.
