National board certified teachers were recognized in June by their statewide union for achieving the rigorous distinction.

New York State United Teachers First Vice President Antonia Cortese and Secretary-Treasurer Ivan Tiger congratulated the 27 teachers in attendance at the conference held at NYSUT headquarters in Latham. Several teachers brought guests to the event, highlighting the supportive role family members play in helping educators reach the standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Support for veterans

The national board announced in May that the Department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse eligible veterans up to $2,000 for national board certification fees. The reimbursement applies for each first-time or retake assessment for candidates who do not achieve certification on their first try.

To qualify, veterans must be eligible for the department's Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, Veterans Educational Assistance or Dependents Education Assistance programs.

Candidates who received national board certification scores last November are eligible to apply, the NBPTS reported.

For more information on national certification, visit www.nysut.org. Click on "national board certification" under Resources. To apply for veteran benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov or call (888) GI-BILL-1.