Frequently Asked Questions

Broadly representative by law, the non-partisan Governing Board includes policymakers, state and local education leaders, principals, teachers, curriculum experts, parents, testing and measurement experts, business leaders, and general public representatives. The director of the Institute of Education Sciences serves as an ex officio, nonvoting member.

The Governing Board’s Nominations Committee solicits nominations, reviews all submissions, and makes recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Education. The Secretary appoints members to serve on the Board.

Board members are seated for four-year terms and may serve up to two terms. New or renewed terms begin on the first of October.

Board meetings are held quarterly. Generally, the meetings take place from midday Thursday to midday Saturday. Board members are assigned to committees, and between meetings, committees may hold conference calls, video conferences, and occasionally face-to-face meetings. The time commitment for each of these activities typically ranges from one to four hours.

Board members serve on one or more committees that focus on policy development, assessment development, reporting and dissemination, testing and measurement, and nominations.  Occasionally an ad hoc committee is established to focus on specific initiatives.  All committee chairs and vice chairs sit on the Executive Committee.

Depending on the rules in your state, district, or organization, you may be eligible for an honorarium of $100 per day.

At least two meetings per year are held in Washington, D.C. One or both of the other meetings are held in cities across the United States, most often in the home city or state of a current Board member. 

No, all travel and expenses are arranged and paid for by the Governing Board.

While we understand it can be challenging for your students and school community when you are away, school leaders and others recognize the important role that Governing Board members play nationally. To ease the burden on your district, the Governing Board covers the costs of a substitute teacher when you are absent from school to meet with or represent the Governing Board.

Yes, if you spend any portion of your day providing instruction to students in 4th, 8th or 12th grade, you are eligible to represent the teacher category on the Governing Board. 

Yes. Often, a person’s colleagues or friends may not realize his or her interest in serving the country in this way, so the person nominates himself or herself.  The Nominations Committee receives many such self-nominated applications every year.

Yes, your personal statement should be limited to one page and your curriculum vitae or resume should be no more than six pages. For additional details see our Submission Requirements.

Yes, you can edit your submission up to the deadline of 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 31. Upon completion of your initial submission, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a PIN. To upload new or additional materials, use the PIN to log back into the submission system.