February 2005

No. 200603

View whole bulletin 155k pdf]

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was established in 1987 in response to a central recommendation of the Carnegie Commission’s report, A Nation Prepared Teachers for the 21st Century. The Board was conceived as an independent, non-governmental body focused on improving student learning by setting clear, high, and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

National Board Certification, developed for teachers by teachers, represents professional acknowledgement of “accomplished” teaching practice meeting the highest standards. Teachers comprise a majority among Board members, and teacher committees develop standards and performance-based assessments for certifying “accomplished practice.” A cadre of specially trained teachers rates the performance assessments.

Candidates must be experienced teachers (three years minimum) voluntarily seeking recognition for meeting rigorous standards in one of twenty-four areas defined by subject and students’ age. A National Board certificate is valid for ten years and is renewable as explained below in Certificate Renewal. Additionally, the National Board standards can serve as a solid base for or a component of professional development resulting in improvements in teaching and learning.

In December 2005 the National Board announced the names of 107 teachers in New York achieving National Board Certification. Five-hundred eighty-nine teachers in New York State are currently NBPTS certified.

NYSUT advocacy led to the passage of the law providing funds for the NYS Albert Shanker Grant Program, making it possible for teachers to seek National Board certification for little or no cost. NYSUT continues to seek state support for other incentives for National Board Certified Teachers and candidates for certification.

This Information Bulletin also contains:

• Questions and Answers for Local Leaders; and
• The text of NYS Education Law §3004-a regarding the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Grant Program.

[View whole bulletin 155k pdf]

NYSUT's Division of Research and Educational Services serves as the research arm of NYSUT, providing information and assistance to Field Services, to other NYSUT divisions, and to local leaders. In addition, the Division provides a variety of information and workshops to local leaders and to local member organizations.

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