Now that Niskayuna High School teacher Peter Melito has earned National Board Certification, considered the highest achievement in the teaching profession, he is one step closer to achieving another more personal aspiration.
“National Board Certification means that I am heading towards my ultimate goal of becoming a master teacher who continues to impact student learning inside and outside of the classroom,” he said.
The social studies teacher received the news in November that he had successfully met the criteria for achieving the nation’s highest standards for teaching.
“I felt the national certification process was a good opportunity to reflect on my growth as a teacher,” Melito said. “More importantly, I saw it as an opportunity to examine in great detail what I needed to do to further improve student learning and success.”
Melito is among the 40 percent of teachers who complete the rigorous evaluation process and achieve certification in the first year, which according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, typically takes one to three years to accomplish. The process requires teachers to submit materials that present evidence of their subject knowledge and ability to develop lessons that engage students in learning.
Melito compiled four portfolios, each of which, he said, involved a great deal of analysis and reflection. The materials included student writing samples, reflections, and other work supporting his entries. In addition, Melito submitted two class discussions that were taped as part of the assessment process.
Melito has taught social studies for seven years, five at Niskayuna High School.
“I have an interdisciplinary degree in Africana Studies and U.S History, making social studies a logical fit,” he said, adding that what convinced him to teach was a term abroad in Kenya, where he had an opportunity to live with families in both rural and urban areas, volunteer at an orphanage for HIV positive children, and meet with government officials. “The experience really made me see the true value of teaching culture and history.”
Melito is the 12th faculty member presently teaching in Niskayuna schools to earn national certification.

(November 2007)