Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/466345
ISEA Communiqué • isea.org February 2015 5 CINDY'S CORNER National Board of Professional Teaching Standards: Update for all members Do you remember the first time someone suggested that you were ready to pursue National Board Certification? It's a moment many National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) say they will never forget. National Board Certification is developed by teachers, with teachers and for teachers and is a symbol of professional teaching excellence. It complements, but does not replace, state licensing. State-licensing systems set entry–level standards for beginning teachers; National Board Certification established advanced standards for experienced teachers. The National Board aims to advance the quality of teaching and learning. The board: 1. Maintains high rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do; 2. Provides a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards, and; 3. Advocates for related education reforms to integrate National Board Certification into American education and to capitalize on the expertise of National Board Certified Teachers. Program revision Since NBCTs have a proven track record of improving student learning and achievement, the National Board is committed to reducing barriers unrelated to the quality of a teacher's practice to enable more teachers to achieve certification. The revision aims to make the process more flexible and efficient for teachers, incorporate the latest research, and reduce the cost. Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, candidates were able to choose the order in which they complete the components of the certification process. To find more information about applying check out: www.boardcertifiedteachers.org Jump Start In a conversation with some seasoned NBCT candidate support group facilitators, the following question came up: "If you had the luxury of several days to work with National Board candidates before they started the certification process, what things do you think would be most helpful to them?" Their answer: An Iowa State Education Association "Jump Start" class. The class is designed to provide National Board candidates with important information about the certification process, time to examine components and assessment center requirements, the opportunity to plan how to meet requirements and time to collaborate, gather resources and information needed to pursue certification - all in a supportive, constructive, and collegial environment. The ISEA Academy is offering an NBPTS Jump Start course to help: Teaching and Learning/ISEA Academy – one credit courses Saturday, March 7, and Saturday, April 18 from 9:30 a.m.– 3 p.m. at the ISEA Headquarters. Registering and participating in the Jump Start classes benefit all interested: • If you register NOW for NBPTS certification, join the Jump Start class as a candidate for support for component submission or assessment preparation. • If you register for the course itself, join the Jump Start class as a pre- candidate to gain knowledge and information for future registration for certification. Activating Emerging NBCT Networks The NBPTS encourages and supports state, local or regional organizations that place National Board Certified Teachers and other teacher leaders at the core of a diverse stakeholder group. These organizations, working in tandem with NBPTS as an NBCT Network, provide a unique opportunity to broaden the National Board's influence and reform education. The NPTBS has established 1) Standards for Networks, 2) Guidelines & Operating Procedures, and 3) Reporting Requirements. The National Board will publish suggested activities and goals for the Networks. In general, Networks should focus on activities that advance the mission of the National Board. Iowa's Network group includes: Pam Schmidt with Beth Hieronymus, Laura Mesz, Scott Slechta, and ISEA President Tammy Wawro. They will attend a workshop in Maryland in February. ISEA staff liaison is Teaching and Learning Specialist Cindy Swanson. by Cindy Swanson, ISEA Teaching & Learning Specialist cindy.swanson@ isea.org Iowa Safe Schools announces expanded efforts to provide safer environment for LGBTQ youth TEACHING & LEARNING Summer endorsement programs Enroll now in summer courses designed for certified teachers pursuing additional state of Iowa teaching endorsements. Courses are offered on Drake's main campus and at several locations around the state—many are available online. Credits and requirements vary by endorsement. Most credits can be rolled into a master's in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development. Offerings include but are not limited to: • Early Childhood/Unified • English as a Second Language • Middle School • Reading • Special Education • STEM • Talented and Gifted • Mathematics Consult www.drake.edu/soe/endorsements for a complete list of endorsements. Highlights of the programs include: • Convenient scheduling for working adults • Expert faculty with extensive experience in the classroom • Applicable, innovative curriculum admission information: w www.drake.edu/soe/admission e soegradadmission@drake.edu t 515-271-2552 Aspire. Achieve. Advance. School of Education