Updated: September 3, 2026
National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K–12 education.
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, in collaboration with Kamehameha Schools’ Hoʻolaukoa Educational Systems and Strategies, supports candidates as they navigate this complex process.
Why should I consider National Board Certification?
NBCTs receive a $5,000 bonus and an additional $5,000 if their school meets the criteria outlined below in the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes:
§302A-706 Teacher national board certification incentive program.
(a) There is established within the department the teacher national board certification incentive program to recognize and support exemplary teaching practice by supporting public school teachers who have achieved national board certification under the certification program of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The teacher national board certification incentive program shall provide:
(1) A $5,000 bonus per year for each public school teacher who maintains current national board certification;
(2) $1,500 upon completing all components of the certification program of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards;
(3) A reimbursement of the remainder of the national board certification application fee upon achievement of national board certification; and
(4) An additional $5,000 bonus per year for each public school teacher who maintains current national board certification and who teaches at:
(A) A school in a focus, priority, or superintendent’s zone, or other similar designation [currently CSI or TSI schools], as determined by the department;
(B) A school with a high turnover rate, as determined by the department; or
(C) A hard-to-fill school, as determined by the department.
(b) The incentive program shall include a mentoring component that encourages and enables national board-certified teachers to assist other teachers and share their teaching expertise.
Here’s how we compare with other states.
About the new HSTA Candidate Support Package
Beginning in summer 2025, the HSTA NBCT Support Network changed how candidates are supported during the process. The network now offers a Candidate Support Package that includes one summer Jump Start and up to five years of candidate support.
You can purchase support packages at any point during the year, but we encourage teachers to be strategic and wait to start any work until they have attended a Summer Jump Start.
Why should I attend an HSTA NEA Jump Start seminar?
The first step toward successful National Board Certification is understanding the requirements and planning how to integrate them into your upcoming school year. Jumpstart seminars are designed to help candidates understand and be successful by providing important information about the certification process, time to examine the component requirements, the opportunity to plan how to meet requirements, and time to draft and receive feedback on ideas for components-all in a supportive, constructive, and collegial environment.
Candidates who start with Jump Start are less likely to miss standards required in each component. Having time to review the standards, discuss what they mean, and plan for how to meet them during the summer is critical for completing the certification process. Jump Start also includes planning time and suggestions for when to pay for components so that your timeline does not start until you, the candidate, is ready.
How much does it cost?
The candidate support package costs $150. This includes one Jump Start and up to five years of candidate support. The cost is nonrefundable, and HSTA currently does not offer scholarships to cover the upfront cost of certification.
How do I register?
To register for the Candidate Support Package, go to pd.hsta.org. Click the course picture to view the information and pay.
After you register and pay for the Candidate Support Package, watch your email for information and a form you must complete to be fully registered.
I have questions. Who can I contact?
For Jumpstart-specific questions, please use the “Contact Us” option on The HSTA National Board Support Network Website.
For registration-specific questions, please contact PD@HSTA.org.