NYSED, NYSUT Applaud 51 Teachers Who Achieved ‘Gold Standard’ National Board Certification

The New York State Education Department and New York State United Teachers today congratulated 51 teachers from across the state who have achieved National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, the “gold standard” in the education profession.

“Our teachers play a critically important role in education,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “I applaud these devoted, talented teachers for challenging themselves to add this new dimension to their careers by pursuing this notable next level of professional development.”

“National Board certification is an investment in learning that enriches the teachers who complete the experience and benefits their students and colleagues as well,” State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said. “I am proud of the work these extraordinary teachers have already done and of the work they will continue to do as mentors and leaders in their schools.”

“National Board certification is a crowning achievement for any educator but completing it in a year of ongoing disruption is a testament to the character of these dedicated teachers,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said. “Our NBCTs exemplify the outstanding teachers across New York who give their all to preparing children for the future, and we’re proud of their ongoing work to deliver a high-quality education day in and day out.”

“To achieve National Board certification, these teachers haven’t just mastered their craft, they’ve built long-lasting bonds with students that both helps the next generation learn and inspires them to pursue lofty dreams,” NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene T. DiBrango said. “Teaching makes a difference every day, and the accomplishments of these outstanding educators are a reminder of that fact.”

New York is home to 2,224 National Board Certified Teachers. They have completed a rigorous performance-based, peer-reviewed assessment process. In addition to the 51 teachers who achieved certification in the past year, 85 New York educators had their National Board Certification renewed.

The new National Board Certification awardees hail from across the state. They will be celebrated during a virtual recognition ceremony today from 4 to 5 p.m. featuring remarks from DiBrango, Chancellor Young, Regent Roger Tilles, Commissioner Rosa, National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) President and CEO Peggy Brookins, and NBPTS Board of Directors member and NBCT José Vilson.

About National Board Certification

Achieving National Board Certification is extraordinarily challenging. Candidates typically spend 200-400 hours of their own time having their teaching assessed against rigorous standards through extensive performance-based assessments, including teaching portfolios, student work samples, videos of their lessons, and through analysis and reflection of the candidate’s teaching and student learning. The process involves written exercises that probe the depth of the candidate’s subject area knowledge and their understanding of how to teach those subjects.

The New York State Education Department, through the Albert Shanker Grant, makes funding available to support eligible New York State public school teachers seeking their first National Board Certification. NYSUT assists National Board Certification candidates by offering awareness programs and support through online discussion forums and conferences and professional development through its Education & Learning Trust. The union also aids state teacher centers in supporting candidates through the challenging certification process.