PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR

STANDARDS BOARD

The following definitions shall apply to terms used in this chapter:

(1) The terms, "program approval," "endorsement," "interstate compact," "college or university," and "((regionally)) accredited institution of higher education," as defined in WAC ((180-78-010 and)) 181-78A-010 shall apply to the provisions of this chapter.

(2) "Certificate" means the license issued by the superintendent of public instruction to teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates verifying that the individual has met the requirements set forth in this chapter.

(3) "Certificate renewal" means the process whereby the validity of a certificate, subject to expiration, is extended.

(4) "Certificate reinstatement" means the process whereby the validity of an expired certificate is regained.

(5) "Lapsed certificate" means a residency certificate that is subject to the timelines and renewal described under WAC 181-79A-251.

(6) "Expired certificate" means a teacher certificate that can only be reinstated under WAC 181-79A-251.

(7) "Classroom teaching" means instructing pupils in an instructional setting.

(8) "Approved baccalaureate degree" for the purpose of this chapter, means a baccalaureate from ((a regionally)) an accredited college or university in any of the subject areas of the endorsement listed in chapter 181-82 WAC as now or hereafter amended: Provided, That if a candidate is accepted into a program in Washington state on or before August 31, 2000, and completes the program on or before August 31, 2003, in accordance with WAC 181-79A-299, the candidate may hold a baccalaureate degree in any of the subject areas of the endorsements listed in WAC 181-79A-302. Such degrees shall require the completion of at least forty-five quarter hours (thirty semester hours) of course work in the subject area: Provided, That a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree in another academic field will not be required to obtain a second baccalaureate degree if the candidate provides evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed the required forty-five quarter or thirty semester hours of course work in one of the subject areas of the endorsements listed in chapter 181-82 WAC: Provided further, That a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education will not be required to obtain a second baccalaureate degree if the candidate provides evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed thirty quarter or twenty semester credit hours in one academic field in an approved endorsement area pursuant to WAC 181-82A-202.

(9) "Issues of abuse course work requirement" means completion of course work or an in-service program on issues of abuse. The content shall discuss the identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse((,)); commercial sexual abuse of a minor, as defined in RCW 9.68A.100; sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in RCW 9.68A.040; information on the impact of abuse on the behavior and learning abilities of students((,)); discussion of the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are victims of abuse((,)); and methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and their prevention. Additionally, content areas identified by the legislature in RCW 28A.410.035 shall be required in the issues of abuse course, including ((exploitation of minors and suicide prevention)) knowledge and skill standards pertaining to recognition, initial screening and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students including, but not limited to, indicators of possible substance abuse, violence and youth suicide.

(10) "Approved master's degree" for the purpose of this chapter, means a master's or doctorate degree from ((a regionally)) an accredited college or university.

(11) "Credit hour(s)" means credit (normally 100 level or above) awarded by ((a regionally)) an accredited institution of higher education.

(12) "Previous standards" means a certification system in place prior to a revision in rules that results in changed names and/or validity periods for the certificates issued.

(13) "Application for certification" means an application for a certificate or endorsement that includes a signed affidavit (as specified in WAC 181-79A-157) by the applicant. Such application shall be considered valid for two years from the date of receipt by the superintendent of public instruction, or its designee.

(14) "Professional growth team" for the purpose of certificate renewal ((of the professional certificate,)) means a team comprised of the individual renewing the certificate and a minimum of one colleague, who holds a current Washington state educator certificate, chosen by the individual.

(15) "Professional growth plan."

(a) Teacher individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards at the "career level" benchmarks as published by the professional educator standards board.

(b) Principal/program administrator individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards at the "career level" benchmarks ((set forth in WAC 181-78A-540(1))) as published by the professional educator standards board.

(c) ESA individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards ((and)) at the career level benchmarks ((set forth in WAC 181-78A-540(2))) as published by the professional educator standards board.

(g) For educators holding multiple certificates in chapter 181-85 or 181-79A WAC, a professional growth plan for teacher, administrator or educational staff associate shall meet the requirements for all certificates held by an individual.

(16) "A positive impact on student learning" means that a teacher through instruction and assessment has been able to document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to the state goals and/or essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That teachers employed by private schools who are candidates for the professional teaching certificate shall document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to either:

(a) The state goals or essential academic learning requirements; or

(b) Such alternative learning goals as the private school has established.

(17) "Professional certificate support provider" means any organization or institution operating training or consulting services as a public entity or private company holding an appropriate business license.

(18) "Approved private school" means any organization of institution providing educational services to children including, but not limited to, approved private schools, state institutions, juvenile institutions, nonpublic agencies providing special education services, development centers, and bureau of Indian affairs schools.

(1) Residency certificates shall be renewed under one of the following options:

(a) Individuals who hold, or have held, residency certificates have the following options for renewal:

(i) One hundred continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC, or four annual professional growth plans as defined in WAC 181-79A-030, completed within the previous five years from the date of the five-year renewal application. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

Subsequent five-year renewals shall be issued based on completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours since the issue date of the latest five-year residency teacher renewal certificate or four professional growth plans developed since the certificate was issued. Completion of four annual professional growth plans during each five-year period between subsequent lapse dates meets the requirement for renewal. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

Provided, application for subsequent renewals shall not be submitted earlier than twelve months prior to the expiration date of the current renewal.

Expired five-year residency teacher renewal certificates may be renewed with completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours within the previous five years from the date of the five-year renewal application or by completing four professional growth plans as defined in WAC 181-79A-030. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

An expired certificate may be renewed for an additional five-year period by presenting evidence to the superintendent of public instruction of completing the continuing education credit hour or professional growth plan requirement within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application.

Candidates who apply for the five-year residency teacher renewal certificate who have not successfully completed course work or an in-service program on issues of abuse, must complete the abuse course work requirement as defined in WAC 181-79A-030(((6))) and required per RCW ((28A.410.2212)) 28A.410.035.

Continuing education for teachers at the elementary and secondary levels in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related subjects must include a specific focus on the integration of STEM instruction as per RCW 28A.410.2212. This ((renewal requirement applies to the following endorsement areas: Elementary education; early childhood education; middle level mathematics and science; secondary mathematics and science; the designated secondary sciences; technology; and career and technical education. Applications for certificate renewal dated September 1, 2019, and beyond must demonstrate completion of at least fifteen continuing education credit hours with an emphasis on the integration of STEM. This requirement is considered to be met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS))) STEM continuing education requirement for certificate renewal is as described in WAC 181-85-075(6).

(ii) Individuals who have attempted and failed the professional certificate assessment are eligible for a two-year renewal.

(iii) Individuals who have not been employed ((or employed less than full-time)) as a teacher during the dated, three-year residency certificate may receive a two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit a uniform assessment portfolio or they will complete assessment for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Individuals not employed as a teacher may permit their certificate to lapse until such time they register for the professional certificate assessment, or the National Board Certification.

(iv) Individuals whose three- or five-year residency certificate has lapsed may receive a two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit a uniform assessment portfolio for the professional certificate assessment or assessment for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards((: Provided, That teachers holding certificates expiring in 2014, 2015, or 2016 who have completed the available sections for the National Board Teacher Certificate may receive an additional two-year renewal in 2016 or 2017 to complete the assessment)).

(b) A residency certificate expires after the first renewal if the candidate has not registered for and submitted a portfolio assessment prior to June 30th of the expiration year, to achieve the professional certificate, Provided: When the first two-year residency teacher renewal certificate expires, teachers have three renewal options:

(i) Individuals who were employed but failed the professional certification assessment, may receive a second two-year renewal;

(ii) Individuals who were ((unemployed or employed less than full-time)) not employed as a teacher during the first two-year renewal may permit their certificate to lapse. Upon contracting to return to a teacher role, individuals may apply for a final, second two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit a uniform assessment portfolio for the professional certification assessment;

(iii) An individual who completes a National Board Certification assessment but does not earn National Board Certification, may use that completed assessment to apply for a final, second two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will complete and submit their scores from the assessment for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or register and submit the Washington uniform assessment portfolio as per this section, WAC 181-79A-251.

(2) Teacher professional certificate.

(a) Individuals who hold a professional teacher certificate may have that certificate renewed for additional five-year periods by the completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC or by completing four professional growth plans annually during the period in which the certificate is valid as defined in WAC 181-79A-030. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

Provided, application for renewals shall not be submitted earlier than twelve months prior to the expiration date of the current renewal.

Expired certificates may be renewed with completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours within the previous five years from the date of the five-year renewal application or by completing four professional growth plans as defined in WAC 181-79A-030. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

An expired professional certificate may be renewed for an additional five-year period by presenting evidence to the superintendent of public instruction of completing the continuing education credit hour or professional growth plan requirement within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application. All continuing education credit hours shall relate to one of the three standards: Effective instruction, professional contributions or professional development.

(b) ((Individuals may apply their focused evaluation professional growth activities of the evaluation system toward the professional growth plan for certificate renewal.

(e) Beginning September 1, 2014,)) Continuing education or professional growth plans for teachers at the elementary and secondary levels in STEM-related subjects must include a specific focus on the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction as per RCW 28A.410.2212. This ((renewal requirement applies to the following endorsement areas: Elementary education; early childhood education; middle level mathematics and science; secondary mathematics and science; the designated secondary sciences; technology; and career and technical education endorsements. Applications for certificate renewal dated September 1, 2019, and beyond must demonstrate completion of at least fifteen continuing education credit hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan, with an emphasis on the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics)) STEM continuing education requirement for certificate renewal is as described in WAC 181-85-075(6). This requirement is for all professional teacher certificate holders regardless of date of issuance of the first professional certificate. ((This requirement is considered to be met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

(f))) (c) Provided, That a professional certificate may be renewed based on the possession of a valid teaching certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards at the time of application for the renewal of the professional certificate. Such renewal shall be valid for five years or until the expiration of the National Board Certificate, whichever is greater. Such renewal is only available one time during the validity period of the National Board Certificate and cannot be the same National Board Certificate used to obtain the professional certificate.

(h))) (d) Provided, as per RCW 28A.410.278(2) ((beginning September 1, 2016)), in-service training, continuing education, or professional growth plans shall incorporate professional development on the revised teacher and principal evaluation systems under RCW 28A.405.100 as a requirement for renewal of continuing or professional level certificates. ((Applications for certificate renewal dated September 1, 2019, and beyond for all teachers must document completion of at least fifteen clock hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan, related to knowledge and competency of the teacher and principal evaluation criteria or system.

This requirement is considered met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).)) This continuing education requirement related to the teacher and principal evaluation system is as described in WAC 181-85-075(7).