Your Credentials

New York producing more nationally certified teachers

Posted: June 5, 2005

A recent study in Florida confirms what National Board Certified Teachers have long known - their rigorous training pays dividends for students.

The survey in Miami-area public schools determined - that all else being equal - ninth- and 10th-grade students of teachers who earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards scored higher on year-end math tests.

The survey of more than 100,000 student test records showed nationally certified teachers were particularly effective with students with special needs and may provide extra benefits to black and Hispanic students.

New York state now has 479 National Board Certified Teachers.

Candidates may spend between 200 and 400 hours seeking certification - documenting knowledge of their subject area, describing the effects of their teaching practices on student performance and demonstrating their ability to manage and measure student learning.

Nationally certified teachers are exempt from a state requirement that teachers complete 175 hours of professional development during the five-year period when national certification is earned.

Nationally certified teachers are automatically considered "highly qualified" under No Child Left Behind. The American Council on Education has recommended that those who complete the national program be awarded up to six graduate credits.

"National certification is an opportunity for teachers to have their skills and expertise validated," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. "This is truly the gold standard for teachers."

The assessment fee for National Board Certification will increase by $200 to $2,500 effective Jan. 1, 2006. The new fee will not affect current candidates or those who apply by Dec. 31, 2005.

NYSUT led the fight for the law creating the Albert Shanker Grant Program, named for the late president of the American Federation of Teachers, which provides $2,500 state grants to candidates to defray the cost of seeking national certification.

Growing numbers of NYSUT local unions have also negotiated bonuses, salary increases and other incentives for National Board Certified Teachers.

The new-candidate cycle opened Jan. 1. Contact Stu Horn at NYSUT, (800) 342-9810, or shorn@nysutmail.org, for details.