WSR 26-12-015
PROPOSED RULES
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
STANDARDS BOARD
[Filed May 22, 2026, 9:04 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-01-137.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 181-79A-140, 181-79A-145, 181-79A-223, 181-79A-231, 181-79A-244, 181-79A-247, and 181-85-203, educational interpreter certification.
Hearing Location(s): On July 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., in SeaTac, Washington. Exact meeting location and a link to listen to the meeting virtually will be available several weeks prior to the meeting. More information regarding this can be found at https://www.pesb.wa.gov/about-us/board-meetings/.
Date of Intended Adoption: July 16, 2026.
Submit Written Comments to: Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), P.O. Box 47236, 600 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7236, email pesb@k12.wa.us, by Monday, July 13, 2026.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact PESB, phone 360-725-6275, email pesb@k12.wa.us, by Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Establish certificates for the role of educational interpreter.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: SSB 5025 directs PESB to establish certificates for the role of educational interpreter.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter
28A.410 RCW.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter
28A.410 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: PESB, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Matt Dressen, P.O. Box 47236, 600 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7236, 564-999-3364; Implementation: Jeffrey Youde, P.O. Box 47236, 600 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7236, 360-870-0143; and Enforcement: Ron Jacobson, P.O. Box 47236, 600 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7236, 360-819-7138.
A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW
28A.305.135.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW
34.05.328.
This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:
Is exempt under RCW
19.85.025(3) as the rules adopt, amend, or repeal a procedure, practice, or requirement relating to agency hearings; or a filing or related process requirement for applying to an agency for a license or permit.
Scope of exemption for rule proposal:
Is fully exempt.
May 22, 2026
Matt Dressen
Rules Coordinator
RDS-7173.4
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-15-085, filed 7/16/21, effective 8/16/21)
WAC 181-79A-140Certificate roles.
The provisions of this chapter apply to the certificate roles listed in this section. Certificates in the following roles shall be issued:
(1) Teacher. The teacher certificate authorizes service as a classroom teacher.
(2) Career and technical education. The career and technical education certificates authorize service in career and technical education programs in accordance with chapter 181-77 WAC.
(3) First peoples' language, culture, and oral tribal traditions. The first peoples' language, culture, and oral tribal traditions teacher certificate authorizes service in accordance with WAC 181-78A-700.
(4) Administrator.
(a) The administrator certificate for principal authorizes services as a building administrator or assistant principal.
(b) The administrator certificates for superintendent or program administrator will be issued to persons who meet professional educator standards board certification standards for service in the roles of superintendent or program administrator.
(5) Educational staff associate.
(a) The educational staff associate certificate authorizes service in the following roles:
(i) School behavior analyst;
(ii) School counselor;
(iii) School nurse;
(iv) School occupational therapist;
(v) School orientation and mobility specialist;
(vi) School physical therapist;
(vii) School psychologist;
(viii) School social worker;
(ix) School speech pathologist or audiologist.
(b) Nothing within chapter 181-79A WAC authorizes professional practice by an educational staff associate which is otherwise prohibited or restricted by any other law, including licensure statutes and rules and regulations adopted by the appropriate licensure board or agency.
(6) Educational interpreters. The educational interpreter certificate authorizes service in the role of educational interpreter for the deaf.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-15-085, filed 7/16/21, effective 8/16/21)
WAC 181-79A-145Levels and validity of certificates.
Two levels of certification may be issued.
(1) Initial and professional certificates:
(a) Initial certificates. The initial administrator certificates are valid for seven years. Initial administrator certificates shall not be subject to renewal. Initial educational staff associate certificates in the roles of school nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist, school speech language pathologist or audiologist, school social worker, school behavior analyst, and school orientation and mobility specialist are subject to renewal. Initial certificates in the role of educational interpreter are subject to renewal.
(b) Professional certificates. Initial administrator and educational staff associate certificate holders shall be issued a professional certificate if they meet the requirements for such certificate. Initial principal and program administrator certificate holders, and initial school counselor and school psychologist certificate holders shall be issued a residency certificate if their initial certificate has expired or they do not meet the requirements for a continuing certificate.
(2) Residency and professional certificates: Teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates with program completion dates commencing with the dates indicated below will be issued the following levels of certificates:
(a) Residency certificate. The residency certificate will be issued to teachers beginning September 1, 2000, to principal/program administrators beginning September 1, 2004, and to educational staff associate school counselors and school psychologists no later than September 1, 2005.
(b) The first issue of a residency certificate for principals, program administrators, and educational staff associates shall be valid until the holder has completed two years of service in the role in Washington with a school district, state-approved private school, or state agency that provides educational services for students, at which time their residency certificate will be reissued with a five-year expiration date. Prior to the expiration date, the candidate must meet residency renewal requirements or earn a second-tier certificate for the role under WAC 181-79A-250.
(c) A first issue residency teacher certificate remains undated until the teacher has two years of experience under WAC 181-79A-206, at which time the residency certificate is dated for five years as verified by the certification office of the office of superintendent of public instruction. Prior to the expiration date, the candidate must earn a professional certificate or meet renewal requirements under WAC 181-79A-240 and 181-79A-244.
(d) Professional certificate. The professional certificate will be issued to teachers beginning September 1, 2001, to principals/program administrators beginning September 1, 2007, and to educational staff associate school counselors and school psychologists beginning September 1, 2007. A professional teacher's certificate based on the possession of a valid teacher's certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards under WAC 181-79A-257 or 181-79A-206 shall be valid for five years or until the expiration of the National Board Certificate, whichever is greater. A professional educational staff associate certificate for school counselors based on the possession of a valid school counselor's certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards National Board Certification under WAC 181-79A-257 or 181-79A-206 shall be valid for five years or until the expiration of the National Board Certificate, whichever is greater.
(3) First peoples' language, culture, and oral tribal traditions certificates: The first peoples' language, culture, and oral tribal traditions certificate will be issued beginning in January 2007. The first peoples' language, culture, and oral tribal traditions certificate is valid for five years and shall be subject to renewal under WAC 181-79A-252.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 24-15-123, filed 7/23/24, effective 8/23/24)
WAC 181-79A-223Academic and experience requirements for certification—School nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist, school speech-language pathologist or audiologist, school social worker, school behavior analyst, ((and)) school orientation and mobility specialist, and educational interpreter.
Candidates for school nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist and school speech-language pathologist or audiologist, school social worker, school behavior analyst, ((and)) school orientation and mobility specialist, and educational interpreter certification shall apply directly to the professional certification office. Such candidates shall complete the following requirements, in addition to those set forth in WAC 181-79A-150, except for a state-approved educator preparation program.
(1) Degree. Candidates who hold a master's degree or higher are not required to obtain a role-specific master's degree if the candidate provides satisfactory evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that they have completed all course work requirements relevant to the role-specific master's degree.
(2) Professional transitions to public schools. Candidates for the initial certificate for the roles under this section must complete the professional transitions to public schools coursework under WAC 181-79A-224.
(3) Experience. Candidates for the professional certificate for the roles under this section must complete two years full-time equivalency (FTE) in the role in Washington with a school district, state-approved private school, state tribal compact school, state authorized charter school, or state agency that provides educational services for students.
(4) School nurse.
(a) Initial.
(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as a registered nurse (RN) under chapter
18.79 or
18.80 RCW.
(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
(b) Professional.
(i) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school nurse and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to education, nursing, or other health sciences since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
(ii) The candidate shall hold a valid license as a registered nurse (RN) under chapter
18.79 or
18.80 RCW.
(iii) The candidate shall have completed suicide prevention training under RCW
28A.410.226,
43.70.442, and as described in WAC 181-79A-244.
(5) School occupational therapist.
(a) Initial.
(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as an occupational therapist under chapter
18.59 RCW.
(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate degree or higher from an American Occupational Therapy Association approved program in occupational therapy.
(b) Professional.
(i) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school occupational therapist and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to occupational therapy, other health sciences, or education since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
(ii) The candidate shall hold a valid license as an occupational therapist under chapter
18.59 RCW.
(6) School physical therapist.
(a) Initial.
(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as a physical therapist under chapter
18.74 RCW.
(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate degree or higher from an American Physical Therapy Association accredited program in physical therapy.
(b) Professional. The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school physical therapist and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to physical therapy, other health sciences, or education since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
(7) School speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
(a) Initial. The candidate shall have completed all course work (except special project or thesis) for a master's degree or higher from a college or university program accredited by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). If the degree program requires a written comprehensive exam relevant to the role, the candidate must successfully complete it. If the degree program does not require a written comprehensive exam relevant to the role, the candidate may present verification from ASHA of a passing score on a national exam in speech pathology or audiology, or a passing score on an exam approved by the professional educator standards board.
(b) Professional.
(i) The candidate shall hold a master's degree or higher.
(ii) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a speech language pathologist or audiologist and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to speech language pathology, audiology, other health sciences, or education since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
(8) School social worker.
(a) Initial. The candidate shall hold a masters degree or higher in social work or social welfare from an accredited institution of higher learning.
(b) Professional.
(i) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school social worker and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to the role of the school social worker or education since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
(ii) The candidate shall have completed suicide prevention training under RCW
28A.410.226,
43.70.442, and as described in WAC 181-79A-244.
(9) Behavior analyst.
(a) Initial.
(i) Candidates must hold a valid board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certificate from the behavior analyst certification board (BACB), or other national certificate as approved by the professional educator standards board.
(ii) Candidates must hold a master's degree or higher in any area.
(iii) Candidates must have achieved a passing score on the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam from the behavior analyst certification board (BACB), or other assessment as approved by the professional educator standards board.
(b) Professional.
(i) Candidates must hold a valid board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certificate from the behavior analyst certification board (BACB), or other national certificate as approved by the professional educator standards board.
(ii) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a behavior analyst and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to the role of the school behavior analyst or education since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
(10) Orientation and mobility specialist.
(a) Initial.
(i) Candidates must hold a valid certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) certificate from the academy for certification of vision rehabilitation and education professionals (ACVREP), valid national orientation and mobility certification (NOMC) from the national blindness professional certification board (NBPCB), or other valid national certificate as approved by the professional educator standards board.
(ii) Candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher in any area.
(b) Professional.
(i) Candidates must hold a valid certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) certificate from the academy for certification of vision rehabilitation and education professionals (ACVREP), valid national orientation and mobility certification (NOMC) from the national blindness professional certification board (NBPCB), or other valid national certificate as approved by the professional educator standards board.
(ii) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as an orientation and mobility specialist and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to the role or to education since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
(11) Educational interpreter.
(a) Initial.
(i) Candidates must have one or more of the following:
(A) Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with a minimum score of 4.0 and the EIPA written test with a passing score; or
(B) A valid National Interpreter Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or an equivalent valid national certificate previously offered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), and the EIPA written test with a passing score.
(ii) Candidates must have one or more of the following:
(A) An associates degree or higher in any area; or
(B) Employment as an educational interpreter in Washington state prior to September 1, 2026; or
(C) A valid National Interpreter Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or an equivalent valid national certificate previously offered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
(b) Professional. The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as an educational interpreter and have completed 150 continuing education credit hours related to the role or to education since the first issuance of the initial certificate.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 24-24-005, filed 11/21/24, effective 12/22/24)
WAC 181-79A-231Limited certificates.
All applicants for limited certificates must meet the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements of WAC 181-79A-150 (1) and (2).
Nothing within chapter 181-79A WAC authorizes practice by an educational staff associate which is otherwise prohibited or restricted by any other law, including licensure statutes and rules and regulations adopted by the appropriate licensure board or agency.
(1) Conditional certificate.
(a) Intent. The intent of the conditional certificate is to assist school districts, approved private schools, and educational service districts in meeting the state's educational goals by giving them flexibility in hiring decisions based on shortages or the opportunity to secure the services of unusually talented individuals.
(b) Roles.
(i) Teacher roles. The conditional certificate may be issued to teachers in all endorsement areas. Specific minimum requirements defined in this section apply to the following:
(A) Special education teachers;
(B) Nonimmigrant exchange teachers;
(C) Traffic safety education teachers.
(ii) Educational staff associate roles. The conditional certificate may be issued in the following education staff associate roles:
(A) School counselor;
(B) School nurse;
(C) School psychologist;
(D) School social worker;
(E) School speech language pathologist or audiologist;
(F) School behavior analyst;
(G) School orientation and mobility specialist.
(iii) Administrator role. The conditional certificate may be issued in the following administrator role: Principal.
(iv) Educational interpreter role. The conditional certificate may be issued in the following role: Educational interpreter for the deaf.
(c) Request requirements.
(i) When requesting the conditional certificate, the district, the educational service district, or the approved private school will verify that one or more of the following criteria have been met:
(A) The individual has extensive experience, unusual distinction, or exceptional talent in the subject matter to be taught or in the certificate role; or
(B) No person with regular certification in the area is available; or
(C) The individual holds a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
(D) The individual is enrolled in an educator preparation program specific to the certificate role for which they are applying; or
(E) The individual will serve as a nonimmigrant exchange teacher and meets the specific minimum requirements defined in this section; or
(F) The individual will serve as a traffic safety education teacher and meets the specific minimum requirements defined in this section; or
(G) Circumstances warrant.
(ii) When requesting the conditional certificate, the district, the educational service district, or the approved private school will verify that all of the following criteria have been met:
(A) The district, educational service district, or approved private school has determined that the individual is competent for the assignment; and
(B) After specific inclusion on the agenda and a formal vote, the school board or educational service district board has authorized the conditional certificate; and
(C) The individual is being certificated for a specific assignment and responsibility in a specified activity/field; and
(D) The individual will be delegated primary responsibility for planning, conducting, and evaluating instructional activities; and
(E) The individual will not be serving in a paraeducator role; and
(F) The individual will be oriented and prepared for the assignment. In addition, prior to service, the individual will be apprised of any legal liability, the responsibilities of a professional educator, the lines of authority, and the duration of the assignment; and
(G) The individual will be assigned a mentor within 20 working days from the commencement of the assignment; and
(H) A written plan of support will be developed within 20 working days from the commencement of the assignment.
(d) Minimum requirements.
(i) Individuals must complete 50 continuing education credit hours after the issuance of the certificate, and prior to the reissuance of the certificate. Holders of conditional certificates in the role of nonimmigrant exchange teacher are not required to complete 50 continuing education credit hours.
(ii) Special education teacher. The applicant for a conditional teaching certificate in special education shall hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
The issuance of a conditional certificate to a special education teacher is contingent upon the individual being enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program resulting in a teacher certificate endorsed in special education.
An individual with full certification and endorsed in special education shall be assigned as a mentor to the special education teacher serving on a conditional certificate for the duration of the conditional certificate.
(iii) Traffic safety education teacher. The applicant qualifies to instruct in the traffic safety program under WAC 392-153-021. Written plans of support and mentors are not required for holders of conditional certificates in the role of traffic safety education teacher.
(iv) Nonimmigrant exchange. A conditional certificate in the role of teacher may be issued to an individual admitted to the United States for the purpose of serving as an exchange teacher.
The individual must be eligible to serve as a teacher in the elementary or secondary schools in their country of nationality or last residence.
(v) School counselor. The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and be enrolled in a state-approved preparation program for the role, in accordance with Washington requirements for certification.
(vi) School nurse. The applicant possesses a valid license as a registered nurse (RN) under chapter
18.79 or
18.80 RCW. Applicants who meet the requirements for the initial school nurse certificate will not be issued a conditional school nurse certificate.
(vii) School psychologist. The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and be enrolled in a state-approved preparation program for school psychologists, in accordance with Washington requirements for certification.
In addition, the candidate shall have completed all course work for the required master's degree, and shall be participating in the required internship.
(viii) School social worker. The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The applicant must be enrolled in a master's degree program in social work or social welfare.
(ix) School speech language pathologist or audiologist. The applicant has completed a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
(x) School behavior analyst. Applicants must meet one or more of the following:
(A) Hold a valid Washington state department of health license as an assistant behavior analyst. The district, educational service district, or approved private school must provide a supervisor who meets the department of health requirements for a supervisor of assistant behavior analysts; or
(B) Hold a valid board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCABA) certificate from the behavior analyst certification board (BACB). The district, educational service district, or approved private school must provide a supervisor who meets the behavior analyst certification board (BACB) requirements for a supervisor of board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCABA); or
(C) Hold a bachelor's degree, and, must be enrolled in or have completed the course work requirements for the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certificate from the behavior analyst certification board (BACB), as verified by the institution providing the behavior analysis course work.
(xi) School orientation and mobility specialist.
(A) Applicants must have completed all requirements for an approved national certificate with the exception of the internship and the assessment, as verified by the institution providing the coursework for the national certificate. The approved national certificates are the certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) certificate from the academy for certification of vision rehabilitation and education professionals (ACVREP), and the national orientation and mobility certification (NOMC) from the national blindness professional certification board (NBPCB).
(B) The school employer must ensure the candidate has access to a mentor who meets the requirements for an intern supervisor set by the academy for certification of vision rehabilitation and education professionals (ACVREP) or the national blindness professional certification board (NBPCB).
(xii) Principal. The applicant holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
The candidate for conditional certification as a principal shall be enrolled in a program resulting in the issuance of a residency principal certificate, in accordance with Washington requirements for certification.
(xiii) Educational interpreter for the deaf. Applicants must have a minimum score of 3.4 on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and the EIPA written test with a passing score.
(e) Validity. The conditional certificate is valid for two years or less, and is only valid for the activity or role specified on the certificate.
The special education conditional certificate will have a validity period of three years or less.
(f) Reissuance.
(i) The conditional certificate may be reissued upon request by the employing local school district, approved private school, or educational service district, provided all conditions for the first issuance of the certificate are met.
(ii) The requesting school district, approved private school, or educational service district will verify that the 50 continuing education credit hours earned as a requirement for reissuance of the certificate are designed to support the individual's professional growth, and enhance the individual's knowledge or skills to better assist students in meeting state learning goals.
(iii) Nonimmigrant exchange. The conditional certificate in the role of teacher may be reissued while the individual is being sponsored by a school district in an exchange and visiting teacher program.
(iv) Special education teacher. Conditional certificates in special education may not be reissued.
(v) School speech language pathologist or audiologist. Conditional certificates as a school speech language pathologist or audiologist may be reissued twice.
The conditional certification as a school speech language pathologist or audiologist may be reissued if the candidate is enrolled in a master's degree program resulting in issuance of an initial ESA certificate in accordance with Washington requirements for certification.
The school speech language pathologist or audiologist conditional certificate may be reissued a second time upon verification by the degree provider that the individual is completing satisfactory progress in a master's degree program resulting in issuance of an initial school speech language pathologist or audiologist certificate in accordance with Washington requirements for certification.
(vi) Conditional certificates as a school behavior analyst may be reissued twice.
(vii) Conditional certificates as a school orientation and mobility specialist may be reissued once.
(viii) Conditional certificates as an educational interpreter for the deaf may only be reissued twice. Applicants must have a minimum score of 3.7 on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) for reissuance.
(2) Transitional certificate.
(a) Intent. The transitional certificate provides flexibility for school districts in employing an individual whose certificate has lapsed or expired under WAC 181-79A-240.
(b) Roles. The transitional certificate may be issued in roles of teacher, education staff associate, and administrator for certificates subject to renewal under WAC 181-79A-240.
(c) Request requirements.
(i) The transitional certificate is issued upon request by a school district, approved private school, or educational service district for an individual whose certificate has lapsed or expired according to this chapter.
(ii) School districts, approved private schools, and educational service districts are strongly encouraged to develop with the holder of a transitional certificate a plan of support for the holder to complete the necessary certificate renewal requirements under this chapter.
(d) Minimum requirements.
(i) The holder of the transitional certificate must complete the requirements for certificate renewal within two years of the date the holder was issued the transitional certificate.
(ii) No individual whose certificate has been suspended, revoked, or surrendered shall be eligible to be employed under this section.
(e) Validity. The transitional certificate is valid until two years from the date the holder was issued the certificate. The transitional certificate expiration date shall not be calculated under professional educator standards board policy WAC 181-79A-117.
(f) Reissuance. The transitional certificate is not renewable and may not be reissued.
(3) Emergency substitute certificate.
(a) Intent. The intent of the emergency substitute certificate is to assist school districts, approved private schools, and educational service districts with flexibility in meeting educator workforce needs.
(b) Roles.
(i) The emergency substitute certificate may be issued in the role of teacher.
(ii) To ensure that related services personnel deliver special education services in their respective discipline or profession, the emergency substitute certificate may not be issued for individuals to serve in an educational staff associate role in accordance with 34 C.F.R. Part 300.156 (b)(2)(ii).
(iii) Holders of the emergency substitute certificate may serve in the local school district, approved private school, or educational service district which requested the certificate.
(iv) Holders of the emergency substitute certificate may serve as substitutes if the local school district, approved private school, or educational service district has exhausted or reasonably anticipates it will exhaust its list of qualified substitutes under WAC 181-79A-232.
(c) Request requirements.
(i) The emergency substitute certificate is issued upon request by a school district, approved private school, or educational service district.
(ii) If the local school district, approved private school, or educational service district has exhausted or reasonably anticipates it will exhaust its list of qualified substitutes who are willing to serve as substitutes, emergency substitute certificates may be issued to persons not fully qualified as substitutes under WAC 181-79A-232.
(d) Validity. Emergency substitute certificates shall be valid for two years or less.
(e) Reissuance. The emergency substitute certificate may be reissued upon request by the employing local school district, approved private school, or educational service district.
(4) Intern substitute certificate.
(a) Intent. The intent of the intern substitute certificate is to provide the intern the opportunity to serve as a substitute when the cooperating teacher is absent. This provides the intern with experience while allowing for consistency in instruction for the students.
(b) Roles. The intern substitute certificate may be issued to student teachers or intern teachers.
(c) Request requirements.
(i) School districts, educational service districts, and approved private schools may request intern substitute teacher certificates for individuals to serve as substitute teachers in the absence of the cooperating teacher.
(ii) The intern substitute teacher certificate is issued upon approval by the supervising preparation program provider.
(d) Minimum requirements. The holder of the intern substitute certificate may be called at the discretion of the school district, education service district, or approved private school to serve as a substitute teacher only in the classroom(s) of the cooperating teacher.
(e) Validity. The intern substitute teacher certificate is valid for two years or less.
(f) Reissuance. The intern substitute certificate may be reissued upon request by the local school district, approved private school, or educational service district, and approved by the educator preparation program provider.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 24-24-003, filed 11/21/24, effective 12/22/24)
WAC 181-79A-244Certificate renewal requirements.
Certificate renewal requirements include the following:
(1) Equity-based school practices. Applications for renewal dated July 1, 2023, and beyond, for the certificate types and roles as indicated in (a) and (b) of this subsection, must demonstrate completion of professional learning focused on equity based school practices aligned with the cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion (CCDEI) standards under WAC 181-85-204.
(a) Completion of at least 15 continuing education credit hours of professional learning in equity-based school practices is required for renewal of residency, professional, initial, and continuing teacher and CTE teacher certificates.
(b) Completion of at least 10 continuing education credit hours of professional learning in equity-based school practices is required for renewal of residency, professional, initial, and continuing principal, program administrator, superintendent, and CTE director certificates.
(c) Individuals holding at least one valid, expiration dated administrator certificate under (b) of this subsection are only required to meet the equity-based school practices requirement for administrators when renewing or reinstating a teacher certificate under (a) of this subsection.
(d) Holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) meet the equity-based school practices requirement by maintaining a valid National Board Certificate.
(e) A professional growth plan with at least one goal aligned to the standards in this subsection meets the equity-based school practices requirement.
(2) National Professional Standards for Education Leaders. Applications for renewal dated July 1, 2023, and beyond, for holders of residency, professional, initial, and continuing certificates in the role of principal, program administrator, superintendent and CTE director, must demonstrate completion of 10 continuing education credit hours of professional learning focused on the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). A professional growth plan with at least one goal aligned to the PSEL standards meets the certificate renewal requirement in this subsection.
(3) Providers for professional learning in equity-based school practices and National Professional Standards for Education Leaders. Professional learning under subsections (1) and (2) of this section must be provided by one or more of the following organizations. These organizations may only provide the professional learning for as long as they maintain status as a Washington state approved in-service education agency under chapter 181-85 WAC.
(a) Association of Washington school principals;
(b) Office of the superintendent of public instruction;
(c) Professional educator standards board-approved administrator or teacher preparation program providers;
(d) Washington education association;
(e) Washington state educational service districts;
(f) Washington state school districts, tribal compact schools, approved charter schools, Washington school for the deaf, Washington school for the blind; or
(g) Other organizations approved by the Washington professional educator standards board.
(4) Government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes.
(a) Applications for renewal dated July 1, 2023, and beyond, for holders of residency, professional, initial, and continuing certificates in the role of principal, program administrator, superintendent and CTE director, must demonstrate completion of five continuing education credit hours of professional learning focused on government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes.
(b) Professional learning related to government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes must be provided by one or more subject matter experts approved by the governor's office on Indian affairs in collaboration with the tribal leaders congress on education and the office of native education in the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
(c) Completion of a professional growth plan (PGP) may not be used to meet the requirement for professional learning in government-to-government relationships.
(5)
Science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) integration. Applications for certificate renewal must demonstrate completion of at least 15 continuing education credit hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics instruction under RCW
28A.410.2212.
(a) This renewal requirement applies to teachers in the following areas: Elementary education; early childhood education; middle level mathematics and science; secondary mathematics; secondary science; the designated sciences; and career and technical education. Specific endorsements in these endorsement areas are as published by the professional educator standards board.
(b) Holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) meet this requirement by maintaining a valid National Board Certificate.
(6)
Suicide prevention training requirement. Renewal of certificates, and issuance of professional certificates, for school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, and school social workers requires completion of suicide prevention training under RCW
28A.410.226,
43.70.442, and as described in this section.
Approved trainings meeting this suicide prevention training requirement will be as published by the professional educator standards board. The training program must be at least three hours in length. The professional educator standards board will consider these training programs as continuing education credit hours.
(7) Washington state department of health licenses.
(a) Holding a valid license as a physical therapist under chapter
18.74 RCW is a requirement for renewal of school physical therapist educational staff associate (ESA) certificate.
(b) Holding a valid license as an occupational therapist under chapter
18.59 RCW is required for renewal of school occupational therapist ESA certificates.
(c) Holding a valid license as a registered nurse (RN) under chapter
18.79 or
18.80 RCW is a requirement for renewal of school nurse ESA certificates.
(8) National certificates related to educational staff associate or educational interpreter roles.
(a) Holding a valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certificate from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), or other national certificate as approved by the professional educator standards board, is a requirement for renewal of School Behavior Analyst ESA certificates.
(b) Holding a valid Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Certificate from Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), or, a valid National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB), is a requirement for renewal of school Orientation and Mobility Specialist ESA Certificates.
(c) Educational interpreter for the deaf. Candidates must have one or more of the following for renewal:
(i) Individuals obtaining an educational interpreter certificate must have the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with a minimum score of 4.0 and the EIPA written test with a passing score; or
(ii) A valid National Interpreter Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), and the EIPA written test with a passing score, or an equivalent valid national certificate previously offered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
(9) Continuing education role requirements. Except as otherwise required in Title 181 WAC, continuing education for the following roles must relate to the described areas.
(a) CTE teacher. Continuing education credit hours for renewal of CTE teacher certificates must relate to career and technical education methods, including those described in RCW
28A.700.010 and WAC 181-77A-165, or to the subject matter certified to teach.
(b) CTE director. Continuing education credit hours for renewal of CTE director certificates must relate to career and technical education, or supervisory or managerial subjects.
(c) School counselor. Continuing education credit hours for renewal must relate to:
(i) American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Professional Standards and Competencies; or
(ii) School Counselor Standards published by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
(d) School psychologist. Continuing education credit hours for renewal certificates must relate to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Professional Practices.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-15-085, filed 7/16/21, effective 8/16/21)
WAC 181-79A-247Certificate renewal options.
(1) Professional growth plans. Individuals may use professional growth plans towards meeting the continuing education requirement for certificate renewal. Professional growth plans are defined in WAC 181-85-033. For educators holding multiple certificates in chapter 181-77 or 181-79A WAC, a professional growth plan for teacher, administrator, educational staff associate, or paraeducator shall meet the continuing education requirement for all certificates held by an individual which is affected by this section.
(2) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. Each holder of a certificate affected by this chapter may present a copy of a valid certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in lieu of the completion of the continuing education credit hours required by this chapter.
(a) A professional certificate renewed with a valid certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is valid for five years or until the expiration of the National Board Certificate, whichever is greater.
(b) A professional certificate cannot be renewed with the same National Board Certificate used to obtain that professional certificate.
(3) National Association of School Psychologists credential. Each holder of a certificate affected by this chapter may present a copy of a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential issued by the National Association of School Psychologists in lieu of the completion of the continuing education credit hours required by this chapter.
(4) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certificate. Each holder of a certificate affected by this chapter may present a copy of a valid certificate of clinical competence (CCC) issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in lieu of the completion of the continuing education credit hours required by this chapter.
(5) Behavior analyst certificate. Hours used to maintain a valid Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certificate from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), or other national certificate as approved by the professional educator standards board, will be considered by the professional educator standards board as continuing education credit hours, and may be used towards the continuing education credit hour requirement for renewal.
(6) Educational interpreter certificate. All continuing education units approved by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) will be considered by the professional educator standards board as continuing education credit hours, and may be used towards the continuing education credit hour requirement for renewal.
RDS-7174.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-15-085, filed 7/16/21, effective 8/16/21)
WAC 181-85-203Professional educator role standards.
Professional educator role standards are the most recently published versions of the standards as follows:
(1) Teachers.
(a) Teachers: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Standards, including the 5 Core Propositions;
(b) CTE teachers: Standards under WAC 181-77A-165 and as published by the professional educator standards board.
(2) Administrators.
(a) Principals, program administrators, superintendents: National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL);
(b) CTE directors: Standards as published by the professional educator standards board.
(3) Educational staff associates.
(a) School behavior analysts: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List.
(b) School counselors:
(i) American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Professional Standards and Competencies; or
(ii) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) School Counseling Standards.
(c) School nurses: American Nurses Association (ANA) and National Association of School Nurses (NASN) School Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.
(d) School occupational therapists: American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Standards for Continuing Competence.
(e) School orientation and mobility specialists:
(i) Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Scope of Practice, Body of Knowledge, and Competencies; or
(ii) National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), including structured discovery methods and principles.
(f) School physical therapists: Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy: Updated competencies for physical therapists working in schools, including competency and related statements, and related clinical skills.
(g) School psychologists: National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Professional Practices.
(h) School social workers: National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Standards for School Social Work Services.
(i) School speech language pathologists or audiologists:
(i) American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Standards for Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology: Knowledge and skills outcomes; or
(ii) American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Standards for Clinical Competence in Audiology: Knowledge and skills outcomes.
(4) Educational interpreters for the deaf:
(a) Educational interpreter roles and responsibilities published by National Association of Interpreters in Education; or
(b) Professional studies published by the National Interpreter Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).