(a) Each eligible teacher who is awarded a grant shall receive an amount up to $2,500 to defray the unreimbursed expenses of certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

(b) From such $2,500 grant, each eligible teacher's sponsoring school district shall be eligible to receive a direct reimbursement from the department in an amount up to $500 to cover the cost of supportive services, which may include the cost of hiring a substitute teacher for up to three days or the duration of such eligible teacher's approved leave, whichever is less. To qualify for such reimbursement, a sponsoring school district must submit an affirmation of support and a statement of expenditures, in a form prescribed by the commissioner.