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| 107 New York teachers reach the profession's 'gold standard' Union calls for state incentive to encourage more to pursue national certification November 30, 2005 ALBANY, N.Y. November 30, 2005 - On the day the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced that 107 New York teachers have earned national certification, New York State United Teachers said it would introduce legislation to provide a state-funded stipend for teachers earning the "gold standard" of teaching. NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi congratulated the 107 newly board-certified teachers on their "spectacular achievement." "This is not an easy process," Iannuzzi said, "The hours and energy these teachers have invested to improve their classroom skills are evidence of their dedication and professionalism. New York has the toughest teacher certification requirements in the nation, and these teachers have gone above and beyond those requirements. But New York has to be more competitive. Other states are paying stipends for national certifications, and more of their teachers are reaching out for this incredible achievement. New York should be doing the same thing." National Board candidates spend between 200-400 hours measuring their skills against rigorous national standards. Candidates must prove they are the "best of the best" through portfolios, student work samples, videos and analyses of the candidates' teaching and students' learning. NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira said NYSUT would be pushing hard for a statewide stipend for nationally certified teachers. "Students taught by nationally certified teachers do better," Neira said. "On average, students of board-certified teachers experience learning gains equal to an extra month in class. And the impact is even greater on lower-income students. National certification is a powerful tool that could help close the performance gap, but New York has been neglecting that tool." Neira noted that approximately 75 school districts in New York offer local incentives for nationally certified teachers. In addition, NYSUT-sponsored legislation created both the New York State Albert Shanker Grant Program and the New York State Candidate Fee Subsidy Program, which provides $2,500 to cover application costs for board candidates. NYSUT also offers programs and professional development through its Education and Learning Trust. But Neira said New York has to do more. "National Board Certification helps to spread best practices to classrooms and schools," Neira said. "These teachers bring their leadership and skills not only to their classrooms but to their colleagues as well. New York has to make this a priority." NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. |
MAP: Newest National Board Cerftified Teachers by school district
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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