Posted: March 19, 2025
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 Hawaii State Teachers Association, in collaboration with Kamehameha Schools’ Hoʻolaukoa Educational Systems and Strategies, offers NEA Jump Start as a way to support candidates as they navigate their way through 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 Hawaii 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.
Why should I attend an HSTA NEA Jump Start seminar?
The first step for any journey is a plan. The HSTA Jump Start sessions are designed to guide you through the planning process. The focus during these sessions will be on the components and standards for your chosen certification area, time to review and discuss the component requirements with your peers, and time to plan how to integrate these components into your teaching. By the end of the sessions, you should have a plan that can be used during the year to meet your certification goals. The sessions are run in a supportive, constructive, and collegial environment designed to meet you where you are in your understanding. Jump Start is a member-exclusive benefit.
How much does it cost?
The cost for this seminar is $150 for HSTA members and Kamehameha Schools teachers.
How do I register?
To register, click on the link for the course that fits your needs:
After you have registered and paid, please fill out this online form. Registration will close when course meets capacity or seven days prior to start date.
What are the dates and locations for these seminars?
Summer Face-to-face Jump Start session
- Dates: July 17-19, 2025
- Time: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Location: HSTA office on Oahu
- Transportation and lodging: In partnership with UH Manoa, those traveling from neighboring islands can stay in the dorms for free. HSTA will provide a rental car for one member to use for transportation to and from UH. Airfare and evening meals will be at your own expense.
Summer Virtual Jump Start sessions
- Dates: June 9-12, 2025
- Time: 4 PM – 8 PM
- Virtual: once registered, information will be sent for logging into the sessions
I have questions. Who can I contact?
If you have further questions about the certification process or Jump Start, we encourage you to visit our webpage hstanbsupportnetwork.com
- You can also email hstanbct@hsta.org
- Questions about course registration and payment should be emailed to pd@hsta.org
