National Board Conversations

About National Board Conversations

This podcast takes listeners coast to coast in discussion with National Board Certified Teachers who offer their advice and insights into the process. Each episode explores the amazing journey these teachers have undertaken to get nationally board certified. We hope this podcast acts as a tool for prospective candidates for the National Board Certification while answering questions and concerns that candidates may have. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts on this website are those of the individual authors and speakers and do not represent or reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of the National Board, its officers, directors, employees, or affiliates. The National Board assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of podcasts or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Publisher

National Board For Professional Teaching Standards

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Oct 2020

Latest episode

26 May 2025

Latest episodes

66 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 May 2025

   Candidate Conversations: Keke Powell's Capstone to Certification

   Keke Powell discusses her National Board Certification journey, sharing insights on strategic preparation, mentor meetings, and analyzing lessons to elevate teaching practices in this interview.

2. 

   14 May 2025

   Elevating Practice: Navigating the National Board Certification with Michele Coleman

   This episode of the podcast delves into the power of reflective practice with educator Michele Vicino Coleman. Michele guides us through her National Board Certification journey, emphasizing how the process encourages teachers to analyze their instructional decisions, understand their students deeply, and articulate the 'why' behind their teaching. Explore how Michele connects this reflective work to her teaching of English and theater, and discover how certification can be a transformative experience for professional growth

3. 

   7 May 2025

   Tom Courtney: From South Korea to Restorative Justice - A Teacher's Journey to Expertise

   Ever wondered how a job teaching English in South Korea could ignite a lifelong passion for education? In this episode of National Board Conversations, we trace the dynamic journey of Tom Courtney, a teacher whose experiences span continents and grade levels. Tom's story isn't just about classroom instruction; it's about a quest for deeper understanding. From his early days as a self-described "yes person"  to his transformative experience with National Board Certification, Tom discovered the power of self-driven professional development and the importance of reflective practice. Listen as Tom recounts his move from elementary to middle school, sparked by a moment of clarity on a Guatemalan volcano, and how he now finds himself teaching the children of his former students.But Tom's impact extends beyond the classroom. He's also a driving force in advocating for restorative justice practices, shaping district-wide change. Join us to explore Tom's insights on empowering students, fostering community, and finding your expertise as an educator. And for a little fun, we're even including a link to his favorite comfort food!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,165,093

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

36

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

81