Look at the core principles on nbpts.org - identify your strengths and
needs as a teacher, and as a student. Reflection is a huge part of the
process, along with analysis - so be prepared. This is a good time to think
about doing it - you can register now and start collecting documentation
(for 2006) - before you really only had the beginning of the school year
until March or April.
Everyone does it differently, if you are really disciplined you will budget
time and have a nice pace. I collected, video taped, photographed etc.. all
year and wrote it over Spring Break - mailed it the day before it was due -
there is a fine line between stress and distress! (had the same work habits
for the second certification - good intentions though. You can categorize
what each entry is asking for, and identify the one you may find difficult -
For the assessment center questions - after working with a large number of
candidates - I really believe that the art and music assessment exercises
are among the most difficult - others have much more guidance on what is
going to be ask (a question on play and 3 year olds... an identified list of
readings etc...) so prepare... read, read, read - I found scholastic art and
man pretty helpful - as well as this list -
I have mentored candidates for 5 years - it is a great process and wonderful
PD. See if your state offers any type of mentoring/support groups - I have
always worked with small groups of candidates and bi-monthly meetings.
Ongoing professional dialogue is very helpful.
Remember that it could be a three year process. Documented accomplishments
can be worked on now - even if you aren't sure when you might do it - look
at that entry.
