February 2011 Issue
February 08, 2011

Certification renewal also a major challenge

Author: Sylvia Saunders
Source: NYSUT United

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has announced that 21 teachers in New York have successfully met the standards to renew their certificates for National Board Certification in 2010.

Like a lifeguard or emergency medical responder, National Board Certified Teachers, or NBCTs, must renew their advanced teaching credential after 10 years.

In order to renew National Board Certification, a teacher must complete the NBPTS Profile of Professional Growth prior to the expiration date of his or her certificate.

The profile must contain compelling evidence of the NBCT's professional growth linked to student learning since achieving certification. Renewal candidates must begin the renewal process during their eighth or ninth year as NBCTs.

National Board Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete.

While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each state, National Board Certified Teachers have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Many districts provide annual stipends to NBCTs, as well as leadership and mentoring opportunities.

The 21, all of whom were part of the first class of NBCTs a decade ago, are:

Clinton Teachers Association
Andrew Bankert

Schenectady FT
Karin Callahan

Schalmont TA
Debra Carusone, Amy Glick, Rose Hochmuth, Rebecca Remis

New Paltz United Teachers
Joan Cherney, Michelle Diana, Kathleen Lacy, Karen Obrien

West Irondequoit TA
Jeffrey Guercio

Rochester TA
Robin Hill, Carrie Varno

New Lebanon TA
Mary Rock

Niskayuna TA
Annette Romano

Utica TA
Penny VanDusen, Danielle Brain

Brighton TA
Judith Wegman, Jaime White

Unaffiliated
Kathleen Prager, Pamela Morse.