Posted December 9, 2011

District could soon have total of five National Board Certified teachers

Southgate library media specialist Jan Parmalee was recently Nationally Board Certified

When a teacher achieves National Board Certification, it is known as the "gold standard" for teaching excellence. Southgate library media specialist Jan Parmalee has just reached that standard.

National Board Certification (NBC) is granted after a teacher provides documented evidence of competence and accomplished practice in one’s area of teaching expertise and improved student learning resulting from applying that knowledge and those practices.

“To have achieved this recognition on a national level is an incredible honor,” Parmalee said.

The National Board Certification process is described as a three year process, although a teacher can achieve certification in one or two years. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards does not describe the outcome as passing or failing, but achieving or not achieving at which point a candidate can choose to pursue certification by resubmitting new portfolio entries or re-taking assessment exercises in a subsequent year.

The process for submitting for one’s certification has two parts. The first portion involves the preparation and submission of four portfolio entries in a teacher’s certification area.

“Three of the portfolio entries I submitted were of lessons I prepared and taught: one on a technology skill, one on literature, and a collaborative lesson with another teacher, Mrs. Pinkham, in which I provided evidence of student progress in learning,” she said. “I had to provide videotapes of my teaching the lessons. The fourth portfolio showed documentation of my work with families and the larger community and my colleagues and profession.”

The second part of the process was a six part exam that assessed Parmelee’s knowledge in the content areas expected of her.

“I spent most of the 2010-11 school year on the process, submitting my portfolio in mid March 2011 and sitting for the exam in May,” she said. “I was notified of the results on November 20, so I waited six long months to learn of the outcome of the process!”

According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, research has shown that NBC candidates demonstrate significant improvement in their teaching practice, benefitting their students. One of the important aspects of preparing a portfolio involves a teacher reflecting on the lesson, assessing evidence of student learning, and then making changes to enhance student learning as indicated.

“This is probably one of the most important benefits of pursuing National Board Certification,” she said.

In total, North Colonie could soon have five NBC teachers. Counting Parmalee, three other teachers  are currently applying for certification and one is renewing.

In addition, a local coordinator from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will be speaking to North Colonie teachers on December 19 at the request of teachers who are interested in applying for Board Certification next year.

"This really speaks to the dedication and professionalism of North Colonie teachers," Assistant Superintendent Kathy Skeals said. "They continually show that they are educators who are always seeking ways to grow professionally and improve their practice in the best interest of our students."