BLOOMINGTON , Minn. (May 18, 2005) — Pearson VUE, the electronic testing business of Pearson Education, today announced it signed a contract with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence to provide computer-based test delivery of the Passport to Teaching SM certification exams. Beginning May 2005, these exams will be available throughout the Pearson VUE-owned and -operated network of more than 200 Pearson Professional Centers in the United States and its territories.
The respected and efficient Passport to Teaching SM certification process is designed to attract knowledgeable and motivated professionals to become teachers. Individuals who pursue the five-step Passport to Teaching SM certification process must prove mastery on rigorous qualifying examinations of subject area and professional teaching to earn certification. Certification candidates who obtain the Passport to Teaching SM are considered highly qualified according to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
“We are impressed with Pearson VUE’s global testing approach and we anticipate that they will provide our candidates with excellent customer service,” said Bill Schimmel, director of operations at the American Board. “We look forward to working with Pearson VUE as we certify teachers who will have a positive influence in classrooms throughout America .”
Bob Whelan, Pearson VUE vice president and general manager, said, “We are pleased the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence has transitioned its certification exams to Pearson VUE for computer-based test delivery. Our state-of-the-art test centers provide candidates with a secure, distraction-free testing experience. Additionally, the ability to use our CERTS® test development and program administration software will play an essential role in the expansion and management of the American Board’s certification program.”
About Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) is the electronic testing business of Pearson Education, which in turn is part of Pearson, the international media company. Pearson’s primary operations also include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
For more information, please contact: Andrew Campanella, Director of Communications Phone: 202-261-2634, Mobile: 202-246-2155 E-mail: acampanella@abcte.org.
The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (www.americanboard.org) was created in 2001 to address the need for a highly qualified teacher in every American classroom. The American Board offers the rigorous, five-step Passport to Teaching SM certification process for knowledgeable and passionate individuals entering the teaching field. Passport to Teaching SM offers individualized learning plans for teaching candidates to complement the knowledge and skills they have obtained through previous work experience.
The American Board is also developing a Master Teacher SM certification to recognize current teachers who significantly advance student achievement. Master TeacherSM should be available in 2006.
The American Board is recognized as approved provider of teacher certification in the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence 1225 19th Street NW Suite 400 · Washington, D.C. 20036 Toll Free: 1-877-NOW-ABCTE (1-877-669-2228) · Phone: 202-261-2620 · Fax: 202-261-2638 contact@abcte.org. Passport to Teaching SM and Master Teacher SM are service marks of the American Board.