NYSUT congratulates newest National Board Certified Teachers

For Albany teacher Zeovadis Tavarez, pursuing National Board Certification was a humbling and enlightening experience.

After missing the achievement by just one point the first time, the dual language teacher experienced firsthand what it's like for her students who sometimes struggle on highstakes exams or learning to communicate in a new language.

"It was frustrating to go through the process but it also ignited my passion for the profession," Tavarez said, wiping away tears. "I couldn't have done it without the support from my colleagues and my students.

My kids told me, 'You always tell us to do your best. That's all you have to do!' And my colleagues did everything from sending me supportive text messages to babysitting." Tavarez, one of 47 teachers statewide who earned National Board Certification in December, shared her emotional journey at a press conference at NYSUT Headquarters to celebrate the latest class of NBCTs, plus an additional 26 educators who successfully recertified.

"You are lifting up our beloved profession," said NYSUT Vice President Catalina Fortino. "You are experts in your fields — specialists in reading, special education, social studies, science, music and English as a new language."

Fortino was joined at the celebration event by Regent Beverly Ouderkirk, who thanked the teachers for going "above and beyond" to earn the national credential. "I'm so proud of you all," she said.

The class of 2015 was a little smaller than usual because national certification is transitioning into a three-year component process. Now that the process is more flexible, candidate numbers are dramatically increasing, Fortino said. More than 300 New York state teachers are now in the pipeline.

New York state currently has 1,750 NBCTs, with more than 300 districts offering a salary step or stipend for achievement. Annette Romano, co-director of the National Board Council of New York, urged the newest NBCTs to look at certification as a beginning — not an endpoint, and to step up and take on teacher leadership roles.

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 also works with teacher centers to support candidates.

In partnership with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and federal grant funding, more than a dozen teachers are regional NBC coordinators within each New York State Teacher Center network. More than 150 candidate support providers, as well as local support groups, are located across the state. Several NBCTs noted the help they received through local support groups and NYSUT's writing retreats.

Niskayuna TA's Laura Carroll said the retreats and peer support gave her "a little push" and helped her connect with a fellow special education teacher who was also pursuing national certification. She now intends to become a candidate support provider herself as a way to "give back" for all the help she received.

"I couldn't have done it without the support network," said Lake George EA's Geoff Bizan, who is now serving as a technology coach with the local teacher center.

NYSUT is working to expand support to encourage more teachers to seek National Board Certification; and is seeking additional state funding for the Albert Shanker Grant fund, which helps cover the cost of application fees. NYSUT hopes to expand the program to cover renewal fees and reimburse districts that provide release time for teachers pursuing the national credential.

A letter from Regent Ouderkirk

TO: New York State United Teachers
FROM: Regent Beverly L. Ouderkirk

Regent Ouderkirk pins Melissa Austin, a member of the National Board Certified Teachers Class of 2015.

This was a banner week for me. I had three engagements scheduled. One was with a group of caring retired teachers in Plattsburgh. Another was requested by secondary students from the Stillwater Central School District. I am thrilled when students choose to seek opportunities to "have a voice" on current educational issues and when their teachers and administrators recognize the value in allowing their voices to be heard.

The third commitment for me this past week was to join in the celebration of 13 classroom teachers from school districts in Judicial Districts represented by Regent Finn and me who had earned their National Board Certifications. These teachers were living through experiences not unlike what their students have struggled with under the change to Common Core over the past several years except that the teachers had a choice.

The teachers were masters of their decision to accept the challenge of the intensity of the requirements of this special program while also teaching full time. Their stories of success and failure, discouraging days and cherished support systems — including their classroom students as well as their personal families — were impressive!! What wonderful role models they became both for their colleagues and for their students!

It was truly a banner week for me based on interactions with several important partners in the field of education — even though my interaction with the students had to be re-scheduled for next month. Guess why we had to re-schedule? Due to testing! That may bring a smile of understanding to some faces.
Please know that for me, among my greatest delights as a Regent is the opportunity to visit classrooms, participate in recognition and celebratory events, and dialogue with students, parents, educators, and community members. All voices I/we need to hear in our effort to "get it right."

Thank you for including me! Each opportunity to participate strengthens my ability to serve.

Sincerely,

Regent Ouderkirk