Posted november 23, 2011

CCHS Math Teacher, Duffy, Earns National Board Certification

Colonie Central High School Mathematics Teacher, James Duffy, has earned National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

NBPTS is the organization that sets and maintains the standards for teaching excellence in this country. By successfully completing the process for certification, Duffy and 2,200 other outstanding teachers continue to meet the nation’s highest teaching standards. They continue to be among the tens of thousands of National Board Certified Teachers who are part of this country’s education reform movement focusing on ensuring that every student has access to an accomplished teacher.

Duffy has taught Math at Colonie Central High School since 2000. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the State University at Albany, and his master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics from Union College in Schenectady. Prior to joining the South Colonie staff he also taught Math in the Greater Johnstown School District.

A voluntary assessment program designed to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers, National Board Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each state, National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. The advanced teaching credential is valid for 10 years.

National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards is based on five core propositions:

• Teachers are committed to students and their learning

• Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students

• Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning

• Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from their experience

• Teachers are members of learning communities