Updated: February 24, 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, offers NEA Jumpstart to support 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 stack up against other states.
Why should I attend an HSTA NEA Jumpstart 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. As a member-exclusive benefit, our team can support you on your NBCT journey, as well as the renewal process.
How much does it cost?
The cost for the candidate support package is $150. This gives the candidate one Jump Start and up to five years of candidate support.
What are the dates and locations for these seminars?
HSTA will hold two summer Jumpstart cohort options.
Face-to-Face Jumpstart
- July 8-10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Registration deadline: June 22, 2026
- Location: Oʻahu HSTA Office, 1200 Ala Kapuna, Honolulu, HI 96819
- Light breakfast and lunch will be provided
- Complimentary lodging for neighbor island teachers available through a partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Participants traveling from neighbor islands are responsible for their own airfare and evening meals
Virtual Jumpstart
- July 20-23, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Registration deadline: July 6, 2026
How do I register?
To register for the Jumpstart session of your choice, go to pd.hsta.org. Make sure to register for the correct session you wish to attend. Click the course picture to view the information and confirm it is the session you want.
After you have registered and paid for the candidate support package, fill out the form for the session you chose:
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.