So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher?: A Handbook of Teacher Tips for Successfully Completing the NBPTS Certification Reviews

• "A no-frills little handbook that I only wish had been in my box!"

  
  By A2RZ15QNE93A2M on 2005-09-24
  
  (Note: The cover listed on Amazon is NOT the new 2006 revised edition, but they DO send you the newer edition.)
  
  After reading numerous guides purporting to help me pass my NBPTS endeavor, I found many to be pedantic, sometimes outdated, and often as complex as the directions that came in my box. Though many such books provided valuable assistance, many were also quite expensive. It was then that my mentor recommended the revised edition of this handbook, which (I was told) is a helpful revision of the original edition.
  
  The book took about an hour to read, but I found myself referring back to it on many occasions. Having already enrolled in the process, I did not take the included 'readiness test', but suggested it to colleagues, some of whom found it quite helpful. Many of the reflective questions will cause one to seriously consider whether or not to commit to candidacy, but I would imagine anyone buying the book is already committed.
  
  Without question, what helped me most was the 'speaking the language' vocabulary. Although one must be careful not to lose personal voice in the writing process (which the author is quick to mention), these 100 buzzwords did assist me immeasurably in writing the NBPTS nomenclature.
  
  The second most helpful aspect of the book was the 'tips & tidbits' checklist for filming my students. (Tips & tidbits is an apt description of this book.) Having been a videotaping aficionado throughout my teaching career, I could not imagine needing assistance here. However, the cogent suggestions presented saved me from the curse of Murphy's Law on numerous occasions! I especially appreciated the reflective and analytical questioning prompts offered, a great many, I hate to admit, I would never have thought of.
  
  Other strengths of this little handbook were the twenty plus suggestions for inclusion as a Documented Accomplishment, and the 'Home Stretch' acronym to check everything by as the finish line approaches and the infamous 'box' is mailed.
  
  Less helpful, but nice as reminders, were the '5 C's of writing your portfolios', the websites, and examples of the three writing types required by the NBPTS. The strength of the work, as stated before, is that list of buzzwords.
  
  In summary, I would say this little book is pretty much what it purports to be. It's a 60-page handbook of tips & tidbits, not a complex tome on writing paradigms. It is meant to assist in every certification area, and thus, cannot be as specific as perhaps one might wish. The style is conversational, and the checklists were quite valuable in helping me be sure what I wrote was thorough as well as valid. (I heard the author speak at an NMSA conference in Anaheim, and I can say his enthusiasm for the NBPTS comes across in his writing.)
  
  This may not be the only book you'd want to use to help you through the NBPTS process, but it's certainly a helpful and inexpensive handbook that cuts to the chase, providing insight and analysis (and a little hand-holding), which you'll be glad to have around January or so. It is no substitute for an experienced mentor (as the author points out), but I would certainly utilize this little book should I decide to become a mentor myself.
  
  Would that the directions that came in my box were as succinct and instructive.
  
  
  

• "Thank the Lord I found this book! I finally made it!!"

  
  By AR8BATSPEEK81 on 2005-11-23
  This was my third attempt. I bought Jerry Parks's book, and took the advice. I passed with a 3** total score! and I made a 4.0 on my retake entry. In particular, the advice: "Write in first person, active voice," really clicked with me. Also: "keep it simple!".
  
  I addressed every instructional component, remaining mindful that how I answered each question should reflect linkage with the standards. I thank the Lord that I found this book, and that I bought it! I wished that I would've had it 3 years ago. Thanx so much from a Louisiana Lady!
  
  
  
  

• "No fluff, trimmed to the bone handbook, certain to help!"

  
  By A36HMUGGHJPTB6 on 2004-10-17
  Many books like this are either too detailed and complex, too expensive, out of date and unusable, or all of the above. Others are just a regurgitation of the NBPTS tips which are free.
  
  "So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher?" is a no-nonsense, lean and to-the-point handbook that is none of the above.
  
  While the familiar NBPTS helps are discussed, the book also includes a very helpful self-test on potential candidate readiness. It also has an invaluable list of so-called 'buzzwords' to include when writing entries--many I had not considered.
  
  The premise of the book is "it's all in how you write it", and the emphasis is on keying in on core content, NBPTS buzzwords, organization, etc. While little of the information is profound or revolutionary, much of it is stuff I just wouldn't have thought of--and this is the strength of the book.
  
  
  All in all, the book is worth the price. The author writes in a conversational style, and not like other authors who seem to talk down to the rest of us. The 'tips 'n tidbits', and check boxes are really concise and helpful. So are the many websites for assistance.
  
  The work is attractively packaged, and organized for quick reference. The most helpful part, I repeat, is that lengthy list of 'buzzwords'. I am convinced Parks is right--the way your entries are presented is the key.
  
  I would think any certification area could benefit from the advice and information in this handbook. I'll let you know next year if I do!
  
  
  
  

• "For serious pursuit of NBPTS Certification, a must read!"

  
  By A2KBNJUQ2K4OI0 on 2005-05-08
  Having the pleasure of working with Jerry Parks is one of the many highlights of my job, and to read and share his writing has enlightened so many other professionals.
  
  This little book possesses a vast amount of pertinent information that promotes completion of certification in a timely and efficient manner. The "tips" are precise, and written in a manner easily understandable and adaptable. For candidates seriously pursuing National Board Certification, this book is a must read!
  
  
  
  

• "Wish I'd had it while I was going through the process..."

  
  By A2TZM70UZ5XFN on 2005-05-11
  
  I enjoyed reading through this book and would have loved to have had such a direct and concise guide while I was going through the National Boards process. It really will be helpful to future candidates. Good Work!
  
  
  
• Indispensable!!!
  By A21XPWLO3SYX6I on 2004-10-12
  This book has proven to be absolutely indispensable! In the process to achieve national board certification, any help is welcome, but this book has it all! Divided into easy to read chapters, Mr. Parks has provided the candidate with a manual that will ease the process in many ways! Checklist and bulleted points make this easy reading, and even easier to implement.
  
  The cost is terrific, and compared to others on the market, it's quite a steal! I would definitely say I got more than my money's worth! I highly recommend this book to anyone even considering going through the NBPTS process.
  
  
  
• "Simplifies the proccess...a life-saver for me!"
  By AKMOKN1MA83YT on 2005-04-08
  "Thank you for the great job on the book, and for simplifying the process for us! The best component of your book is your humor and optimism. I will be taking my assessments (soon) and am actually looking forward to the experience. The book has helped me tremendously in organizing my thoughts. Thanks for the impact you've made."
  
  
  
  
  
  
• "Was surprised this author also wrote Christian books!"
  By AMOACAPKHP7ME on 2006-09-23
  
  As a Christian teacher, I first read this author's terrific little book "God, Help me Pray!", and enjoyed it tremendously. I could tell it was teacher-written, and since I was also shooting for my National Board Certification, wished I could find a study guide written in such a user-friendly manner. Lo and behold, I discovered this book by the same guy!
  
  I cannot add much to what other reviewers have mentioned. There are many helpful books on NBPTS certification. Unfortunately, most are TOO expensive. This one is worth MORE than its cost. The chapter on NBPTS 'buzz-words' I found to be worth the price of the book. There are some (not a lot of) reference websites listed, but I wish he had included a bibliography. In summary, I found this definitely helpful, succinct, and good for those of us who need to have our hand held through the process.
  
  NOTE: Just out of curiosity I also bought the author's "Mentoring the NBPTS Candidate: a Facilitator's Guide" (2006). Figured it couldn't hurt to see what advice he's giving mentors (since I don't have one). I found it obviously not quite as helpful to a candidate, but it certainly added some new things such as 'What is Accomplished Teaching?'. Quite good--but more as a model than as a guide (as this book is).
  
  Sure wish Amazon would have offered both these books together at a discount. Do you need them both? Probably not. But they're cheap, and cover just about every possible question a candidate could have.
  
  
• "Very helpful; highly recommended!"
  By A2OF76GQLMJFZE on 2005-04-08
  "I found this book to be very helpful and sound. For the 'newbies' I highly recommend investing in this book! Jerry is extremely knowledgeable and he helped me through the process."
  
  
• "Self-examination test helped me realize I was NOT ready..."
  By A24JHD2IZJMXI on 2005-01-07
  I have two comments. First, this is a handbook (only about 60 pages). If you are searching for a workbook, there are such to be found elsewhere.
  
  Second, I appreciated this book--not for helping me to pass, but for helping me realize I should withdraw from the attempt.
  
  The self-evaluation test at the front pointed out to me that I am NOT ready yet. I can't comment on the rest of what is written, but I can say if someone is not quite sure whether to begin, that test will clear things up in a hurry. That was worth 5 stars and a couple of thousand bucks to me.
  
  
  
  
• Worth the Money!
  By AMPUSGKLNGB4P on 2007-02-02
  If you have already shelled out the money to become Nationally Board Certified then you will want to spend a little more to make sure you get it right the first time. I wish I had this book the first time around. The buzzwords are particularly helpful. The format of this book is a little easier to navigate than other NBPTS books. I found that it was worth the price.
  
  
• National Boards
  By A17502N9VNJM9W on 2007-05-30
  I purchased this book along with another National Boards book. Both have been helpful tools.
  
  
• A moderately helpful pamphlet
  By AB8F3NBX3IVCE on 2005-09-23
  This is a 57-page book with a lot of useful lists. For example, it includes buzzwords which are recommended for liberal use in your write-ups. It also has helpful tips for taping your lessons. In some respects, this is the sort of book the NBPTS should provide you in place of its verbose standards and instructions (to say nothing of its poorly organized website).
  
  Though the book has proved helpful, it is really more of an extended pamphlet. I suppose I was expecting more. For instance, it would have been nice to see examples of good writing or insightful recollections of past applicants.
  
  I did not find the self-evaluation especially helpful. It, too, was a list -- one person's checklist of needed traits. I know NBCTs and other good teachers who are nothing like the person circumscribed by the list.
  
  I might not buy this book had I to do it again, but you might want it for its detailed lists. However, the book is no substitute for collaborating with colleagues who have achieved NBCT status.
  
  
• "One of the best investments I've made in my teaching profession..."
  By A2ZNKI18Q1L2JY on 2007-08-06
  Just finished reading "So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher?" and it may be one of the best investments I've made in my teaching profession so far.
  
  After 30 years at IBM, I decided the best way to give back would be to teach. I just finished my first year as a second grade teacher and plan to apply for NBCT as soon as I'm eligible in June 2008. (Old broads can't afford to waste time :-) I'm planning to use this book over the next 24 months to help me prepare for the NBPTS process. Thanks!
  
  
  
  
• "I made it with room to spare! Thanks!"
  By A1ZYO9RWQMF1O5 on 2007-11-12
  NOTE: Review submitted by me for Ms. Haines.
  
  I made it with room to spare. Thanks so much for this book. We're using it in out district.
  
  S.Haines
  Chaffin Jr. High
  
  
  

• The National Board Certification Workbook, Second Edition: How to Develop Your Portfolio and Prepare for the Assessment Exams
• Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14
• The Teacher's Guide to National Board Certification: Unpacking the Standards
• Mentoring the NBPTS Candidate: A Facilitator's Guide: A Mentors Handbook for Successfully Coaching the NBPTS Candidate Through the Certification Process
• Navigating the National Board Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Workbook for Teachers