Teacher Certification

At the heart of all schools are the teachers. They are there to do more than teach, they are mentors, advisors, and good role models for students in a less than perfect world. The news around the country often speaks of the negative aspects of education these days; failing schools, students not meeting the minimum standards, teacher strikes, and lack of school funding.

Children hold the keys to the future and if America is to have a future of promise, it must have good schools.

The most important way to begin to improve schools is to strengthen an already amazing group of teachers. Unlike other career fields like physicians or accountants, teachers do not all have the same written knowledge and skills and therefore, there are many different opinions and ideas on what makes a good teacher. Teacher certification is a very reliable way to gauge a great teacher from a just OK one.

When should you get your teaching certification?

When you graduate college you have the education and skills for an entry-level position. Begin by gaining more experience, a good way is to be a teacher's assistant. This will help you to learn what the books and tests could not teach you. The education of a teacher determines the education of their students. Two years of on the job experience is a common amount of time often required for an alternative teacher certification, meaning a step beyond what is required.

Depending on the state and school district you lived in, your teacher certification requirements may vary. Alternative teacher certifications are a good way to show you are well educated, committed, and prepared for a career in teaching. When looking for a valuable alternative teacher certification program, look for these components:

• They require strong academic coursework.
• They are field-based programs, meaning early classroom training.
• Teacher candidates work with a qualified mentor teacher.
• Candidates should go through their program in small groups of fellow candidates.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBTS) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental organization. Since being formed in 1987 they have been dedicated to advancing the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching. This certification is voluntary. They will only certify those who meet the high standards.

It is the highest symbol of professional teaching excellence. It attests to the fact that you have been judged by your peers as one who is accomplished in your field. –NBPTS. Many states and school districts offer financial reward to properly certified teachers.

There have been over 160 studies that show that National Board Certified Teachers in classrooms dramatically effect and improve student learning.

Parent Bill LeGrand said, " When my daughter had Sharon Parker (NBCT) as a teacher she improved as a student. Her intensity increased, her expectations for herself increased, and I saw my daughter work harder than she had for other teachers."
 

Getting your teacher certification and/or an alternative certification can not only benefit you, but it will help to shape your students, your community, and the future.

 

"The Benefits." National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 2006. 22 Sept. 2006 <www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate/the_benefits& gt;.

Mack-Krishner, Adrienne. The Teacher's Guide to National Certification: Unpacking the Standards. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2003.

"Overview." The National Center for Education Information. 2006. 22 Sept. 2006 <http://www.ncei.com/Testimony051399.htm>.

Why America Needs the National Board Certified Teachers. Diss. 22 Sept. 2006 <http://www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate/the_be nefits>.