62 earn profession’s gold standard
irby Mosenthal has what it takes to go the distance.
In 2025, the Croton Teachers Association member earned National Board Certification — widely known as the “gold standard” of the teaching profession — and completed the New York City Marathon, the largest marathon in the world, for the second time.
“Both require a lot of discipline,” Mosenthal said. “A group of students came down to watch and cheer at the marathon, and a lot of them are the same students who were in one of the focus groups I ran for National Board, so it was really cute that they were part of both.”
A high school counselor, Mosenthal is the only 2025 National Board Certified Teacher for her certificate area in New York state: School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood.
“I definitely feel a huge sense of accomplishment,” she said. “It’s a meaningful journey that will push you, but it’s very rewarding and really helps you reflect on your practice.”
On Long Island, Ashley Merchant is one of only two NBCTs from Sayville, New York — ever. Merchant said Sayville TA President Anthony Papalia, and Doug Shaw, the other NBCT from the district, were nothing but supportive.
Merchant started her path to national certification in 2022 while teaching in Maine. But when her second son was born in 2024, his medical needs prompted Merchant and her family to move closer to New York City. While navigating motherhood and a major move, Merchant still managed to complete her certification in December 2025.
“It makes you a school leader … and gets you to think about if you’re making the best decision for all of the different learners,” she said.
Mosenthal and Merchant are among more than 60 educators who newly achieved National Board Certification, along with 57 New York state educators who successfully maintained their certification for another five years.
“Earning this distinction requires extraordinary commitment, reflection and dedication to your students and to the education profession,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone. “The National Board Certification process is among the most rigorous professional achievements any educator can pursue, and they should be incredibly proud.”
NYSUT strongly supports National Board candidates by offering awareness programs, supportive writing retreats, online discussion forums and professional learning through the union’s Education & Learning Trust and the state network of teacher centers. The union has also successfully advocated for local incentives, stipends and the state’s Albert Shanker Grant, which covers the costs for National Board Certification.