Tenacity pays off for board certification

Last November, 2,965 experienced teachers from across the country earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Any teacher would be happy to achieve national certification, a rigorous process that recognizes teaching excellence. But it's hard to imagine that any of the successful candidates were happier than Rhode Island math teacher Vic Osterman.

For Osterman, the third time was the charm; he earned board certification after two unsuccessful attempts, steadily raising his scores each year. "This is a great way for experienced teachers to demonstrate that they are skilled in their fields," just like doctors, lawyers and engineers, says Osterman, a member of the AFT-affiliated Coventry Teachers Alliance. But Osterman also learned a lot about his own abilities and the value of a supportive union as he overcame his initial disappointment in not earning the certification.

One thing Osterman--a 30-year veteran teacher--discovered was that he was accustomed to making exams but not taking them. "I don't work as quickly as I used to," he says. "After taking the test the first time, I realized I didn't finish enough of the questions." One part of the certification process is a series of tough subject-matter exams; for Osterman, they covered algebra, geometry, calculus and discrete math. In subsequent attempts, he gave himself a time limit for each question so he would finish them all--and he did better as a result. "It wasn't that I didn't have the ability," he comments, "I just didn't deal with all the details."

Another portion of the certification process involves videotaping lessons and analyzing what's on the tape. After realizing that he had to be much more explicit in explaining what was on the tape, rather than letting some of the images speak for themselves as he had the first time, he improved his scores in that area, as well.

Embarrassment was Osterman's initial reaction in failing to achieve certification the first time, especially since a much younger math teacher at his school passed the first time. "But after that, I became much more determined to do it," says the 52-year-old. "The support I got from the union leadership and from my fellow teachers was very positive. They all said, 'You can do it.'"

Since becoming board certified, Osterman has worked with other teachers in his local seeking certification. Not surprisingly, his advice is especially valued by those who don't pass the first time.

Even with the extra stress, time and work, Osterman is a firm believer in the value of NBPTS certification. He would have done it even without the financial incentives his union has negotiated for teachers who earn certification. "I think this demonstrates the expertise you have as a teacher, and it can help raise the whole level of teaching in the district."

American Federation of Teachers, AFL•CIO - 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW - Washington, DC 20001