May 7th, 2007 at 12:10 pm

It’s a nice try for NYS Department of Edu., but that site is not reliable. I just tested it by inputing names of teachers that I know are certified in NYS. I used complete names and none came back as certified teachers.

To make certain with what you were checking, I have done so as well; and have found it is not accepting the full names. If you enter the last name, for example for an instructor named ” Sarah Jones”, just enter “Jones,” then search within the full list for “Sarah Jones” in the area which she RESIDES. (NYSDOE does not do it by institutional location but residence of credential holder.)  It is a bit longer and more inundating, however will yield the accurate results that it should as is intended.

I know that when NCLB was enacted, many “certified teachers” were dismissed because it was found that they did not possess the certification. Some were teaching for years. Those who wanted to gracefully leave without endearing humilation were forced to retire. I looked up names of individuals that I thought were certified and didn’t find their names. I checked others and found them. I don’t think the system is arbitraily omitting some names, yet display others. It is up to the school district in which the person is employed to follow proper protocols about certified teachers. If in doubt, call the NYSDOE and clarify/verify to be sure. It just may be true the person(s) is not certified. Rules were rather loose years ago regarding certified teachers but since the NCLB, many districts are checking the list…twice. Some teachers feeling the heat and not wanting to get certified the traditional route possibly because they feel or felt that they have taught so many years that it was unfair or that they shouldn’t have to. The State does not monitor the teachers, the district, the superintendent, and the Board are entrusted to do that and comply with state and or federal gudelines.