Knox Professor Helfer Named to State Teacher Certification Board

Jason Helfer, associate professor and chair of the Knox College Department of Educational Studies, has been named to the Illinois State Teacher Certification Board.

State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch appointed Helfer to the panel, and the Illinois State Board of Education approved the appointment during its August 18 meeting. Helfer, who was nominated by then-Knox College President Roger Taylor, will serve a three-year term.

"It was quite an honor that Roger thought to nominate me and then to be appointed," Helfer said.

The 19-member State Teacher Certification Board plays a role in the process of attracting, training, supporting, and retaining high-quality educators for Illinois students. The board advises the State Superintendent of Education about criteria for teacher certification and other issues related to certification and teacher-preparation programs.

A member of the Knox faculty since 2006, Helfer teaches education courses and co-directs the Knox College for Kids program. He earned a bachelor of music degree from Millikin University, and a master's degree in music and doctorate in education from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. Helfer is active in the National Association for Gifted Children, and he edits the NAGC Arts Network newsletter.