ALBANY, N.Y., April 17, 2007 - More than 150 teachers from the Capital Region who have achieved the highest credential in their profession will be recognized Thursday for their role in making their school districts better places for teaching and learning.
"In the Pursuit of Excellence: Celebrating National Board Certified Teachers" will be held on Thursday, April 19, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Desmond Hotel in Colonie. New York State United Teachers Capital District Regional Office and the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center are sponsoring the recognition ceremony, which will be hosted by NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira.
Teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous national standards established for practitioners in nearly all subject areas and for varying levels of child development.
National Board Certification is developed by teachers, with teachers and for teachers. It is a symbol of professional teaching excellence that is offered on a voluntary basis. It complements, not replaces, state licensing. Research indicates that board-certified teachers have a measurable influence on teacher performance as well as student learning, engagement and achievement.
The event comes one month before voters will be asked to invest in great public schools for every child in their home districts. School districts put their budgets to a vote on May 15.
"Recognizing these accomplished educators demonstrates NYSUT's continued commitment to the pursuit of excellence in teaching," said Neira. "This is a momentous achievement and a tremendous boon for the districts in which these teachers serve."
Since 1994, more than 55,000 teachers across the country have become board certified. In New York, 691 educators have earned the credential.
In addition to the National Board honorees, invitees include NYSUT leaders and staff, school superintendents and board of education presidents, parents, representatives of the Teacher Center and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, elected officials and business leaders.
NYSUT represents 575,000 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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