Jose -
I was stoked to find out that a National Board Certified Teacher from New Mexico, Michelle Felis Accardi has been named as director of state policy and advocacy for the organization. Her statement,
“It’s an honor to be associated with an organization that has set the bar for what it means to be an effective teacher,” said Accardi. “I look forward to creating partnerships with state and local agencies in an effort to expand board certification and other NBPTS initiatives throughout the country – all to benefit our nation’s students and communities.”
It appears that Ron Thorpe may be exactly the right leader for the future of the NBPTS.
This is what the future of accomplished teaching looks like, and it is hopeful.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, and I must say I am stoked to be here! I bring a deep sense of the urgency of this work. We must build upon our strengths, reflect upon our challenges, and most importantly take action to improve results for students everywhere. As a profession, as a society, we are looking for solutions that will prepare children to lead us into the future. It is my personal mission to help decision makers develop, support, and fund programs and policies that will permit the accomplished teachers and those who wish to become more accomplished to follow that passion into the future. I believe that NBPTS is the best way to continue that journey. I sincerely hope that you and the other educators here are ready to help us move forward. Please stay in touch.
Michelle,
You offer a very important distinction in your comment. Often, on the policy front we (meaning teachers) are trying to “convince” policy makers to listen to us. You said, “help decision makers develop, support, and fund programs and policies that will permit the accomplished teachers and those who wish to become more accomplished to follow that passion into the future.” Your perspective, to “help” brings to bear a more urgent sense of the responsibility you are willing to take and a more secure belief in what you and the NBPTS are trying to accomplish. Thank you for your comment.
John
John,
I don’t know how this mission could be any more urgent. To me, it is as urgent as the next student who will drop out, the next family that becomes homeless because no one has the basic skills to get and keep a job, the next teacher who leaves the classroom, or potential accomplished teacher who never enters it. I see my mission as informing and empowering. We (meaning the effective, accomplished teachers the NBPTS is working for) are the solution. With the help of people like you, I can get that message to those who need to know! Thanks.