Posted October 18, 2011

Mark Kaercher, left, addresses Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at a roundtable discussion on educational reform last August.

Shaker High School mathematics teacher Mark Kaercher has been appointed to the State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching.

The Board, which contains 28 members, serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education on matters relating to teaching in New York State. The Board is composed of teachers from all backgrounds in education.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” Kaercher said. “It’s a pretty special group. I am very excited about this new professional opportunity and proud to represent North Colonie and Shaker High School in this endeavor.”

Kaercher will be selected to one of two subcommittees, the Professional Practices Subcommittee which deals with issues related to teaching practice, or, the Higher Education Subcommittee, which deals with issues related to teacher preparation.

“My top priority is teaching kids,” Kaercher said. “But I made it a goal in my career to support my colleagues and serving on the Board and gives me a chance to do so, not only on a local level, but on a state-wide level as well.”

Members of the Board serve four-year staggered terms. They are selected to represent diverse perspectives, taking into consideration such factors as regions of the State, various specialties and experience in different settings.

“Mark Kaercher is an outstanding professional,” Superintendent D. Joseph Corr said. “He will represent North Colonie and the teaching profession extremely well and his service on this Board will benefit teachers in countless ways.”

Kaercher, a graduate from Shaker High School is only too proud to be serving his alma mater in this capacity.

“Twenty-five years ago I was a student walking these halls and now I get the chance to represent this school on a statewide level…it’s a great honor.”