National Board Certification in World Languages | What it is, Where to Start, and Tips for Achieving Certification

$300.00

One-Hour Session, Three-Hour Workshop, or Book Study format for World Language Teachers

National Board Certification is the highest professional certification a US-based teacher can achieve. The process is challenging, but the rewards are many: more thoughtful professional practice; deeper confidence and professionalism; and in many states, significant financial compensation. Only 40% of candidates achieve NBCT status on their first attempt, and there has not been much in the way of support for World Language teachers - until now! Lisa Bartels and Erin Austin are both NBCT's in French and 2023 WL Teachers of the Year in their respective states (North Carolina and Colorado). They will provide thoughtful, personalized support for your teachers undertaking the NBC process.

In the one-hour session participants will:

  • Gain an understanding of the philosophy undergirding NBC and the four portfolio components

  • Understand logistics such as eligibility cost, and recommended timelines

  • Learn qualities that contribute to a successful portfolio submission and explore pitfalls to avoid.

  • Gain access to support resources for NBC Candidates

In the three-hour workshop, participants will do all of the above, and:

  • Investigate the requirements for Components 2, 3, and 4 in more depth

  • Brainstorm and collaborate on possible topics and lesson design to feature in C2, C3, and C4

  • Exchange feedback with colleagues on possible portfolio component design

  • Ask questions and receive personalized feedback from the presenters on portfolio ideas

In the Book Study Format Participants will complete the one-hour session and and a Q&A with the authors:

  • Join fellow participants in a book study on Erin & Lisa’s book, Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages: Proven Strategies and Tips for Accomplished Teaching.‍ ‍Timing of the book study is up to the workshop facilitator)

  • Join with the authors for a live (virtual) Q&A following completion of the book. (Note: participants must purchase the book to join the Q&A.)

    • For book studies with 1-8 participants, meet with the authors for a 1 hour live Q&A.

    • For book studies with more than 8 participants, meet with the authors for two live Q&A sessions at different points in the book study.

In-person or virtual formats available.

One-Hour Session, Three-Hour Workshop, or Book Study format for World Language Teachers

National Board Certification is the highest professional certification a US-based teacher can achieve. The process is challenging, but the rewards are many: more thoughtful professional practice; deeper confidence and professionalism; and in many states, significant financial compensation. Only 40% of candidates achieve NBCT status on their first attempt, and there has not been much in the way of support for World Language teachers - until now! Lisa Bartels and Erin Austin are both NBCT's in French and 2023 WL Teachers of the Year in their respective states (North Carolina and Colorado). They will provide thoughtful, personalized support for your teachers undertaking the NBC process.

In the one-hour session participants will:

  • Gain an understanding of the philosophy undergirding NBC and the four portfolio components

  • Understand logistics such as eligibility cost, and recommended timelines

  • Learn qualities that contribute to a successful portfolio submission and explore pitfalls to avoid.

  • Gain access to support resources for NBC Candidates

In the three-hour workshop, participants will do all of the above, and:

  • Investigate the requirements for Components 2, 3, and 4 in more depth

  • Brainstorm and collaborate on possible topics and lesson design to feature in C2, C3, and C4

  • Exchange feedback with colleagues on possible portfolio component design

  • Ask questions and receive personalized feedback from the presenters on portfolio ideas

In the Book Study Format Participants will complete the one-hour session and and a Q&A with the authors:

  • Join fellow participants in a book study on Erin & Lisa’s book, Achieving National Board Certification in World Languages: Proven Strategies and Tips for Accomplished Teaching.‍ ‍Timing of the book study is up to the workshop facilitator)

  • Join with the authors for a live (virtual) Q&A following completion of the book. (Note: participants must purchase the book to join the Q&A.)

    • For book studies with 1-8 participants, meet with the authors for a 1 hour live Q&A.

    • For book studies with more than 8 participants, meet with the authors for two live Q&A sessions at different points in the book study.

In-person or virtual formats available.

(Erin and Lisa) are so well informed, experienced, and effective at delivering useful information. ... It was a wealth of knowledge in a short time.
— California Language Teachers Association Workshop Attendee - February 2026

Lisa Bartels coaches a colleague, August 2021

Upcoming Painless Proficiency Workshops:

ACTFL National Convention | November 2026

Maryland Foreign Language Association Webinar | May 2026

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools NC Webinar | March 2026

California Foreign Language Teachers Association Webinar | March 2026

Cumberland County Schools NC Webinar | March 2026

SCOLT Spring Conference | March 2026

Wake County Public Schools Webinar | December 2025