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 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, 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.

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

(11) "Credit hour(s)" means credit (normally 100 level or above) awarded by a regionally 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 renewal of the professional certificate, means a team comprised of the individual renewing the certificate and a minimum of ((three)) one colleague((s)), who holds a current educator certificate, chosen by the individual.

(15) "Professional growth plan."

(a) Teacher individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies 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 specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards at the "career level" benchmarks set forth in WAC 181-78A-540(1).

(c) ESA individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards and career level benchmarks set forth in WAC 181-78A-540(2).

(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.

Candidates for school counselor and school psychologist certification shall complete the following requirements in addition to those set forth in WAC 181-79A-150 and 181-79A-226: Provided, That it shall not be necessary for any candidate who holds a master's or doctorate degree to obtain the specified master's degree if the candidate provides satisfactory evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed all course work requirements relevant to the required master's degree and has satisfactorily completed a comprehensive examination required in such master's degree program. This examination shall be an examination of a regionally accredited institution of higher education or the National Counselor Examination (NCE) of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) or, in the case of school psychologists, hold the NCSP accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Provided, That if any candidate has been awarded a master's degree without a comprehensive examination, the candidate, as a condition for certification, shall successfully complete the Praxis II exam in the appropriate role.

(1) School counselor.

(a) Residency.

(i) The candidate shall hold a master's degree with a major in counseling.

(ii) The candidate shall have successfully completed a comprehensive examination of the knowledge included in the course work for the required master's degree. This examination shall be a proctored examination of a regionally accredited institution of higher education or the candidate may meet this requirement by receiving a passing score on the Praxis II guidance and counseling examination.

(b) Continuing.

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid initial or residency school psychologist certificate, an approved master's degree with a major in counseling, and shall have completed at least fifteen quarter (ten semester) credit hours of graduate course work offered by a college or university with a state approved school psychologist program or one hundred fifty clock hours of study, which meet the state continuing education clock hour criteria pursuant to chapter 181-85 WAC, or a combination of credits and clock hours equivalent to the above. Such study shall:

(C) Be determined in consultation with and approved by the candidate's employer or the administrator of a state approved school psychologist preparation program.

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days or full-time equivalent or more employment in the respective role with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(c) Professional. ((The candidate shall have completed an approved professional certificate program, provided, that)) An individual who holds a school counseling certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) shall be deemed to have met the requirement for completion of a professional certificate program, in recognition that NBPTS certification is issued only to individuals who have demonstrated highly advanced skills as a school counselor.

(2) School psychologist.

(a) Residency.

(i) The candidate shall hold a master's degree with a major or specialization in school psychology.

(ii) The candidate shall have successfully completed a comprehensive examination of the knowledge included in the course work for the required master's degree. This examination shall be a proctored examination of a regionally accredited institution of higher education or the candidate may meet this requirement by receiving a passing score on the Praxis II school psychology examination.

(b) Continuing.

(i) The candidate shall hold a master's degree with a major or specialization in school psychology.

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days or full-time equivalent or more employment in the respective role with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(iii) The candidates must demonstrate their respective knowledge and skills while employed in that role by passing a one-quarter or one-semester college or university course that includes peer review. The college or university shall establish the procedures for the peer review with advice from the respective professional education advisory board.

(c) Professional. The candidate shall have completed an approved professional certificate program: Provided, That an individual who holds an NCSP certificate issued by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) shall be deemed to have met the requirement for completion of a professional certificate program, in recognition that NCSP certification is issued only to individuals who have demonstrated highly advanced skills as a school psychologist.

(3) Beginning with certificates first issued after July 1, 2015, continuing and/or professional certificates for school counselors and school psychologists include a requirement for suicide prevention training per RCW 28A.410.226.

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

(a) Teachers.

(i) Individuals who hold, or have held, residency certificates have the following options for renewal past the first three-year certificate:

(A) Candidates who have attempted and failed the professional certificate assessment are eligible for a two-year renewal;

(B) Candidates 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 or they may permit their certificate to lapse until such time they register for the professional certificate assessment;

(C) Candidates whose three-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((;

(D) Individuals who complete a National Board Certification assessment but do not earn National Board Certification, may use that completed assessment to renew the residency certificate for two years)) or assessment for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

(ii) 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 renewal on residency certificates expires, teachers have two renewal options:

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

(B) Teachers who were unemployed or employed less than full-time during the first two-year renewal may permit their certificate to lapse and receive a 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.

(C) An individual who completes a National Board Certification assessment but does not earn National Board Certification, may use that completed assessment to renew the residency certificate for two years in lieu of submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit the Washington uniform assessment portfolio as per this section, WAC 181-79A-251.

(iii) Teachers who hold expired residency certificates may be reinstated by having a district request, under WAC 181-79A-231, a transitional certification not less than five years following the final residency expiration: Provided, That the teacher registers and passes the professional certification assessment within two years.

(iv) Teachers that hold a dated residency certificate prior to September 2011 that have expiration dates past September 2011 are subject to the same renewal options as described in (a)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection.

(b) Principals/program administrators may renew their residency certificate in one of the following ways:

(i) Individuals who hold, or have held, a residency certificate and who qualify for enrollment in a professional certificate program pursuant to WAC 181-78A-535 (2)(a) may have the certificate renewed for one additional two-year period upon verification by the professional certificate program administrator that the candidate is enrolled in a state approved professional certificate program.

(ii) Individuals who hold, or have held, residency certificates who are not in the role of principal or program administrator may have their residency certificates renewed for an additional five-year period by the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours, directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (2)(b) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the residency certificate.

(c) School counselors and school psychologists may renew their residency certificate in one of the following ways:

(i) ((Individuals who hold a residency certificate and who qualify for enrollment in a professional certificate program pursuant to WAC 181-78A-535(3) may have the certificate renewed for one additional two-year period upon verification by the professional certificate program administrator that the candidate is enrolled in a state approved professional certificate program.

(ii))) Individuals who hold, or have held, a residency certificate who are not in the role of school counselor or school psychologist may have their residency certificates renewed for an additional five-year period by the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or completion of one hundred fifty continuing education hours, directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the residency certificate.

(((iii))) (ii) An individual school psychologist who is applying for the National Certificate for School Psychologist (NCSP) may apply for a one-time two-year renewal with verification of NCSP submission. Individuals with expiring certificates in 2014, 2015, 2016, or 2017 may apply for a second two-year renewal with verification of NCSP submission.

(((iv))) (iii) An individual school counselor who completes a national board certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) assessment but does not earn national board certification may use that completed assessment to renew the residency certificate one-time for two years.

(((v))) (iv) School psychologists with residency certificates dated to expire June 30, 2013, 2014, ((or)) 2015, 2016, or 2017 may apply until June 30, 2016, for a ((one-time)) two-year extension. These individuals may apply for a second two-year extension until June 30, 2018.

(2) Professional certificate.

(a) Teachers.

(i) A valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods by the completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC or by completing the professional growth plan as defined in WAC 181-79A-030. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours: Provided, That professional certificates issued under rules prior to September 1, 2014, retain the option of clock hours or professional growth plans for renewal. Beginning September 1, 2014, four professional growth plans developed annually during the period in which the certificate is valid in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 are required for renewal. The professional growth plans must document formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-79A-207. Individuals may apply their focused evaluation professional growth activities of the evaluation system toward the professional growth plan for certificate renewal. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours. An expired professional certificate issued under rules in effect prior to September 1, 2014, 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 requirement within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application. All continuing education credit hours shall relate to either (a)(i)(A) or (B) of this subsection: Provided, That both categories (a)(i)(A) and (B) of this subsection must be represented in the one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours required for renewal:

(A) One or more of the following three standards:

(I) Effective instruction.

(II) Professional contributions.

(III) Professional development.

(B) One of the salary criteria specified in WAC 392-121-262.

(ii) 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, mathematics, technology, and engineering 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. Beginning in 2019, certificate holders with these endorsements must demonstrate that twenty percent of the continuing education or professional growth planning address STEM integration. This requirement is for all professional teacher certificate holders regardless of date of issuance of the first professional certificate.

(iii) Individuals not in the role as a teacher in a public school or approved private school holding a professional teaching certificate may have their professional certificate renewed for a five-year period by the completion of:

(A) Fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-540; or

(B) One hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-79A-207; or

(C) Beginning September 1, 2014, four professional growth plans developed annually during the period in which the certificate is valid in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 are required for renewal. The professional growth plans must document formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-79A-207. Individuals may apply their focused evaluation professional growth activities of the evaluation system toward the professional growth plan for certificate renewal. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours; or

(D) Teachers addressed in this section are also subject to (a)(ii) of this subsection.

(iv) 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.

(b) Principals/program administrators.

(i) A professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods for individuals in the role as a principal, assistant principal or program administrator in a public school or approved private school by:

(A) Completion of four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued, in collaboration with ((a minimum of three certificated colleagues)) the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030, that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the six standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(1). Individuals may apply their focused evaluation professional growth activities of the evaluation system toward the professional growth plan for certificate renewal. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours.

(B) Documented evidence of results of the professional growth plan on student learning.

(C) As per RCW 28A.405.278 beginning September 1, 2016, all professional administrator certificates must complete continuing education on the revised teacher and principal evaluation systems under RCW 28A.405.100 as a requirement for renewal of professional administrator certificates including requiring knowledge and competencies in teacher and principal evaluation systems as an aspect of professional growth plans (PGPs) used for certificate renewal.

(ii) Individuals not in the role as a principal, assistant principal, or program administrator in a public school or approved private school may have their professional certificate renewed for a five-year period by the completion of:

(A) Fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(1) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the professional certificate; or

(B) Completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(1); or

(C) Completion of four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals may apply their focused evaluation professional growth activities of the evaluation system toward the professional growth plan for certificate renewal. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours; or

(D) Principals, assistant principals, or program administrators addressed in this section are also subject to subsection (b)(i)(C) of this section.

(c) School counselors and school psychologists.

(i) For certificates issued under rules in effect prior to September 1, 2014, a valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods by:

(A) Completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9); or

(B) Completion of four professional growth plans that are developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with ((a minimum of three certificated colleagues or supervisor)) the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030, and that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and career level benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours((; or

(C) An expired professional certificate issued under rules in effect prior to September 1, 2014, 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 requirement within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application)).

(ii) Beginning September 1, 2014, a valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods for individuals in the role as a school counselor or school psychologist in a public school, approved private school, or in a state agency which provides educational services to students by completion of four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours.

(iii) Individuals not in the role as a school counselor or school psychologist in a public school or approved private school may have their professional certificate renewed for an additional five-year period by:

(A) Completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the professional certificate; or

(B) Completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2); or

(C) Completion of four annual professional growth plans developed since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours.

(iv) Provided, That a school counselor professional certificate may be renewed based on the possession of a valid school counselor 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; or

(v) Provided, That a school psychologist professional certificate may be renewed based on the possession of a valid national certified school psychology certificate issued by the national association of school psychologists 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 certified school psychology certificate, whichever is greater.

(d) Provided, any educator holding a professional certificate in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection, which requires completion of four PGPs in five years, may renew the professional certificate for one time only by completing one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC, or with completion of fifteen quarter credit hours related to job responsibilities, in lieu of completion of four professional growth plans as required by (a)(ii)(C), (b)(ii)(A), and (c)(ii) of this subsection. Individuals with valid certificates must show completion of the hours as described in this section since the professional certificate was issued. Individuals with an expired professional certificate must complete the hours as described in this section within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application. Provided, That this section is no longer in effect after June 30, 2020.

(e) For educators holding multiple certificates in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection, or in chapter 181-85 WAC, a professional growth plan for teacher, administrator, or education staff associate shall meet the requirement for all certificates held by an individual which is affected by this section.

(f) The one time renewal option of using clock hours or credits in lieu of professional growth plans as required applies to any/all professional certificates an educator may hold, and is only available to the individual one time. This section is no longer in effect after June 30, 2020.

(g) After July 1, 2015, professional certificates for school counselors or psychologists, in addition to the requirements in this chapter, must attend training in suicide prevention as per RCW 28A.410.226 for renewal of their certificate.