The Teacher Candidate Support (TCS) project of Northwest Ohio has been developed by National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and has  supported candidates in their efforts to achieve National Certification since 1997. Over three hundred NBPTS candidates have be able to receive assistance from National Board Certified teachers. The passage rate on the portfolio and computer-based assessment is 55% for first-time candidates and 88% for our advanced candidates. 

Part of this project is a unique collaboration between The University of Findlay and the teacher associations in our region. The rural communities are represented through the Ohio Educational Association and the urban areas by the Toledo Federation of Teachers. The collaborative has been extremely pleased by the outstanding results of our advanced candidate over the years.  This reinforces the assertion that the process is an excellent professional development opportunity.

To be eligible to participate in the program and become a candidate teachers must: 

1. Attend an orientation;
2. Submit an application to the National Board, via its web site; and
3. Obtain assistance from the Ohio Department of Education. To do so, the first two requirements must be already met.