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Indiana Boasts Four of Nation’s 21st Century Certified Teachers
By Barbara Gillenwaters

One of the largest challenges facing middle and high schools today is recruiting, preparing and retaining a cadre of effective teachers. Research suggests a highly qualified teacher is essential for student achievement regardless of a school’s quality. To support the growing number of New Technology High Schools across the country, the New Technology Foundation has established a framework that recognizes those teachers who are successfully implementing 21st-century teaching and learning practices in their classrooms. Indiana now hosts four of the 13 educators nationwide who have attained the 21st Century Teacher Certification status.

Each Indiana Tier I New Technology High School opening in 2007 now includes one or more 21st-century certified teachers. The teachers are:

• Cliff Johnson—Biology/Technology, New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech, Indianapolis Public Schools

• Rebecca Kueterman—Biology/Technology, New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech, Indianapolis Public Schools

• Dan McCarthy—Global Perspectives, Zebra New Tech High, Rochester Community Schools

• Sally Nichols—Bio–Lit, New Tech School of IDEAS, M.S.D. of Decatur Township

To be awarded 21st Century Teacher Certification, educators must go through a rigorous process that includes attendance at new teacher training events, a self-evaluation using the 21st Century Teacher Rubric, submission of a letter of intent, and a New Technology Foundation review including constructive feedback. Johnson, McCarthy and Nichols—all veteran teachers—chose to go through the process as a means of professional growth and as a commitment to their students.

Johnson, an educator for nearly four decades, asks, “Do we really believe the things we say to kids? We use rubrics. We define 21st-century skills and we tell students they need to get skilled at self evaluation. That is the way they become better people. That is the way they become better professional people. If we really believe that, it’s not just for students. It is for all of us. I asked myself, ‘How can I grow professionally? How can I make myself a better teacher preparing students for the 21st century?’ The 21st Century Teacher Certification process sponsored by the New Technology Foundation answered that question for me. Getting better at teaching 21st-century skills and preparing students for the global marketplace was really my goal.”

Johnson sees the certification process as representative of his work and that of students. Both define what they are trying to accomplish, use tools such as a rubric to assess the quality of work, ask peers or colleagues to assist with self-improvement, and submit work for review providing appropriate documentation.

As a result of going through the certification process, Johnson has been able to make classroom projects more tangible for his students. For instance, he had an executive from the American Cancer Society speak to his classroom to ask for ideas on creating a Web page to promote healthy living among teenagers and adolescents.

“Project-based learning tasks such as this are real,” said Johnson, “so that means my work is different. You have to be authentic in what you ask kids to do, make sure students create things that have real value and ensure that the community is a part of the educational process.” After almost 40 years in education,” Johnson chuckles, “old dogs do learn new tricks!”

Dan McCarthy shares Johnson’s views. He said, “Zebra New Tech is a leader in so many ways that obtaining the 21st Century Teacher Certification was a natural part of the synergy in our school. Taking the next step to become certified as a 21st-century teacher has enhanced my professional growth and provided valuable tools for continuous reflection and improved application of 21st-century teaching and learning practices.

“The most meaningful aspect of the 21st Century Teacher Certification process was the reflection on all aspects of our practice. The 21st Century Teacher Rubric caused me to reflect on areas of strength and those areas that need work. It clearly defines skills and competencies of a 21st-century teacher, serves as a professional growing experience, and helps you to become a better teacher,” said McCarthy.

Sally Nichols said, “Certification validated what we’re doing…not for me, but as a school community. The certification process forces self-reflection, self-evaluation, encourages collaboration, and enhances 21st-century classroom practice.”

These exemplary educators note that they did not go through the 21st Century Teacher Certification process for their own personal gratification. They were seeking ways to become better at their craft and more proficient at teaching students to learn in a 21st-century world. Each teacher received widespread support from their school communities and has high hopes that more teachers will complete the 21st Century Teacher Certification process within the next two years.

“The proof is not what you hear from us, but what you hear from kids. When you work with kids and see them excited about showing you what they have created. They are excited because they already know, because they have already evaluated their work. They know that they are growing and learning. That is when you figure out that this works,” said Johnson.