NYSUT Salutes 85 Teachers on Attaining Profession’s Highest Standard

ALBANY, NY (12/04/2007)(readMedia)-- New York State United Teachers today recognized the accomplishments of 85 teachers statewide who earned National Board Certification, a highly regarded symbol of teaching excellence that directly benefits children in the classroom.

The 85 teachers include six from Schenectady, a district with one of the highest numbers of nationally certified teachers in all of New York state. The new board-certified teachers join 694 others from New York, who, since 1994, have attained what is called the “gold standard” of the teaching profession.

Teachers who successfully achieve national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards must demonstrate mastery of teaching; the effect of their teaching on student performance; knowledge of their subject area; be able to manage and measure student learning; and successfully reach out to parents and the community.

“In a state that is widely known for the professionalism, dedication and skill of its teaching force, these teachers are standard-bearers,” said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. “They have voluntarily participated in a rigorous credentialing process and are being rightly recognized for their accomplishments. We congratulate them.”

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira said National Board Certification – a voluntary process which takes most candidates 200-400 hours and more than a year to complete – is an effective strategy for helping to close the achievement gap.

“Quality teaching, the use of ‘best practice’ in the classroom, and collaboration between teachers and the administration are essential ingredients to ending the achievement gap,” Neira said. “Schenectady is leading the way with its support for increasing the numbers of National Board Certified teachers and its efforts are an important step toward helping to end the achievement gap.”

Neira visited Schenectady’s Mont Pleasant Middle School on Tuesday to congratulate the district’s six new National Board Certified teachers: David Bub, Andrea Cunningham, Patricia Embree, Jaime Simmons, Wendy Taylor and Maurice Watson III. The six bring to 22 the total number of nationally certified teachers in Schenectady.

“Today, these six wonderful teachers are representing all their colleagues, past and present, who have achieved our profession’s highest standard,” Neira said.

Neira noted the Schenectady Federation of Teachers, led by President Juliet Benaquisto, and the school district negotiated a $4,000 stipend to be paid to all nationally certified teachers. In addition, the district provides release time for candidates to work toward national certification and encourages professional development for all teachers.

“School districts that recognize the value of having nationally certified teachers are beginning to reap the benefits,” Neira said. “We are starting to see concentrations of nationally certified teachers in Schenectady and other places that offer local incentives. The end result is that these districts are seeing increased success in their efforts to raise student achievement.”

In addition, NYSUT assists national board candidates by offering awareness programs, support and advice through online discussion forums, conferences and professional development through its Education & Learning Trust. The union works with teacher centers to support candidates through the challenging board-certification process.

NYSUT represents 585,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.

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