NYSUT will host a 09-10 video conferences on teacher and teaching assistant certification. If you are or will be in the process of getting your certification, it would probably be worth your while.  This year's schedule offers two workshops designed to serve the diverse needs of today's teachers.

Please note that Permanent Certification has been eliminated. The last provisional certificates were issued effective February 1, 2004 and were valid for 5 years expiring on January 31, 2009.

• Information on Initial & Professional Certification (Block B)
  The New Requirements for Teachers - this session will provide information on the new certification requirements in place since February 2004. Anyone applying for a certification in a new subject area after this date will be held to these requirements.
  
• Information on Teaching Assistant Certification (Block C)
  this session will provide an overview of the certification process for teaching assistants under the old and the new requirements.

Each workshop will be approximately 45 minutes long with opportunities for questions and answers. Times are as follows:

Wednesday, December 9th
Thursday, February 2nd
Tuesday, March 16th
Wednesday, April 4th
Tuesday, May 18th

Teaching Assistants Schedule
Wednesday, March 17th

To register please call the regional office at 634-7132.

Individual members who have not yet completed the requirements certification should be strongly encouraged to maintain continuous progress toward meeting the requirements.  Accurate records should be maintained regarding this process, as well as reasons for failure to maintain progress (e.g., leave of absence, loss of position, illness, etc.).  Responsibility for certification rests with the individual teacher.  A teacher must secure, maintain and provide evidence of certification, and must pay particular attention to the changes from provisional to permanent certification. It is impossible to correct some situations which have occurred due to the inattention of the teacher.

OFFICIAL answers on the interpretation of certification regulations and certification status can only be obtained from the Office of Teaching of the State Education Department.  Any question you may have can be found or you can contact them via email.

Mail Address:
        New York State Education Department
        Office of Teaching
        Albany, New York 12234
        Phone: (518) 474-3901     from 9:00-11:45 a.m. and 12:45 to 4:30 p.m.
        E-mail: tcert@mail.nysed.gov