SEA National Board Candidate Support Program
Seattle Education Association
2025-2026 SEA National Board Candidate Support Cohort Program
SEA provides facilitated support for candidates going through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process. Candidate support is optional for teachers completing their National Boards; however, teacher candidates who are part of a support program show a significantly higher passing rate.
Our Program is an OSPI approved Candidate Support Program. As part of a cohort, candidates receive support, instruction, and feedback from their trained facilitators who are SEA colleagues. Examples include: “unpacking” the National Board component prompts, finding evidence of National Board standards, and ensuring alignment. Clock hours are available.
What courses are offered & when do they meet?
| Courses Offered | Description | Dates |
| *Foundations: Introduction to National Board | Required by all OSPI-approved programs and for those receiving OSPI conditional loan**. A close examination and application of two NBPTS foundational documents: The Five Core Propositions, and The Architecture of Accomplished Teaching. | One session only: Sept. 20 (9:00am –3:00pm) |
| Component One: Content Knowledge | Discussion of certification area standards & analysis of prompt descriptors. Self-assessment of content area knowledge. Learn about Constructed Response Items, Selected Response Items, assessment ethics, procedures, appointments & general C1overview. | Oct. 18 Jan. 10 Feb. 7 (12:30 – 3:00pm) |
| Component Two: Differentiation in Instruction | The Five Core Propositions and the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching will be woven throughout the analysis and study of certification area standards and Component Two instructions. Meetings include time for Q&A, conferencing, drafting, and peer review. | Oct. 4 Nov. 1 Dec. 6 Jan. 24 March 14 (9:00 – 11:30am) |
| Component Three: Teaching Practice & Learning Environment | The Five Core Propositions and the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching will be woven throughout the analysis and study of certification area standards and Components Three instructions. Meetings include time for Q&A, conferencing, drafting, peer review, plus vide review and analysis. | Oct. 18 Nov. 15 Jan. 13 Feb. 7 March 28 (9:00 – 11:30am) |
| Component Four: Effective and Reflective Practitioner | This component requires teacher candidates to gather information from a variety of sources about a group of students; use assessments to effectively plan for and positively impact their students’ learning; and provide evidence of their collaboration with families, the community, and colleagues and of their contributions to learning communities to advance students’ learning and growth. Meetings will include time for Q &A, conferencing, drafting, peer review, and reflection. | Oct. 4 Nov. 1 Dec. 6 Jan. 24 March 14 (12:30 – 3:00pm) |
What is the Time and Location of the meetings? Saturday meeting times vary per Component. All meetings will be held virtually. You will need a Google account for use during our virtual meetings.
What is the cost? Candidates pay a non-refundable registration fee of $100 and support fees based on Components selected. Note that WEA/SEA member prices are lower. To become a SEA member contact www.seattlewea.org. See next tables for costs.
| Annual Non-Refundable Registration Fee | $100 |
| Course | WEA/SEA Member Cost | Non-Member Cost | Clock Hours |
| *Foundations | $150 | $175 | 6 |
| Component One | $200 | $250 | 10 |
| Component Two | $250 | $405 | 16 |
| Component Three | $250 | $405 | 16 |
| Component Four | $250 | $405 | 16 |
*Foundations Course is offered for those who did not attend the WEA Jump Start Program and is a prerequisite for Components One, Two, Three, Four, & for those receiving the OSPI conditional loan**. If you attended the WEA Jump Start Program, you do not need to take the Foundations Course.
**OSPI Conditional Loan Program is offered by OSPI to assist teachers in financing the NBPTS fees. See this website for details: OSPI National Board Conditional Loan
Full Payment & Registration Fee Deadlines: Monday Sept. 29, 2025. Payment in full is required to attend classes.
Reimbursement Policy:
A 50% Course refund is available to candidates who formally withdraw by contacting SEA by October 31, 2025. No refunds will be available on or after Nov. 1, 2025. Any candidate who withdraws or ends participation in the SEA NB Candidate Support Program at any point during the year will need to resubmit full payment and registration fee for the subsequent year’s program.
How do I register? Complete & submit the registration Form and full Payment using this link:
| Please note that you must register with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and pay their fees in addition to participating in the SEA National Board Candidate Support Program. We strongly suggest downloading the Standards and Component Portfolio Instructions for your certificate area and reading them before committing to this process. |
