A) The application window for new candidates opened on June 1st. Teachers who are teaching in low performing/high needs schools may be eligible for the federal funding.  This funding will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis to the first 10 eligible LCSD candidates who apply for the scholarship.  When the funds are exhausted, the opportunity will cease. The federal funding will pay half ($1250) the cost of the assessment fee ($2500) after the candidate has paid their non-refundable $500 initial fee.  Candidates must pay the non-refundable $65.00 registration fee but they should NOT pay the non-refundable $500 initial fee until they have been informed that they are eligible for the subsidy.  Applicants need to apply online directly with National Board at NBPTS.org.

B) “Friends of Florida” Scholarship is available primarily for Florida teachers who wish to apply for National Board certification but do NOT work at high-needs schools and, therefore, are not eligible for the federal subsidies.  The “Friends of Florida” scholarships will pay $1000 towards the $2500 assessment fee and will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis to the first 500 eligible Florida candidates who apply for the scholarship.  When those funds are exhausted, the opportunity will cease. Interested eligible teachers should apply for this scholarship directly with NB at this link:  https://apps.nbpts.org/scholarship/mandatoryTerms.cfm.

Please note the district's deadline to apply for the FL DOE fee subsidy has been extended through November 15, 2009.