July 2005

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

Subject: Renewal of the Standard Educator Certificate

On September 1, 1999 the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) began issuing the Standard Certificate. As the 2005 academic year comes to a close so does the first renewal cycle for the standard certificate. It has come to the attention of SBEC that a very small number of individuals have attempted renewal. SBEC attempts to notify educators one year in advance by postal mail and email, but a significant number of notices are returned due to incorrect addresses. Districts are urged to encourage their staff to maintain a current address so that they will receive their notices. Teachers not holding a current certificate are not considered highly qualified for their assignments.

It is recommended that ISD staff verify the renewal status of teachers, administrators, and support personnel on each campus. This may be accomplished on the SBEC web site (http://www.sbec.state.tx.us ) by clicking on the link ‘Official Record of Educator Certificates’ at the top of the home page. The information presented on this secure web site is the official record of the educator's certification status and satisfies Section 21.053(a) of the Texas Education Code which requires individuals to present their certificate prior to employment by a school district. SBEC does not provide individually prepared letters of professional standing or verification of a Texas educator's certification status.

Verification Instructions - Enter the SSN and last name or last name and first name and middle name of the person for whom you are searching. If an exact match is not, found a listing of up to twenty educators will be displayed. You may enter a hyphen into compound last names (e.g. Gomez-Martin).

For more information on standard certificate renewal, please go to the SBEC web site (www.sbec.state.tx.us ). On the left side of the home page click on the ‘Certification Information’ link, then click on ‘Certificate Renewal Requirements.’ Frequently asked questions are attached to this document.

Sincerely,

Larry Blair, Deputy Director

State Board for Educator Certification

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Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Renewal of the Standard Certificate

What is a Standard Certificate?

The Standard Certificate issued by SBEC must be renewed every five years to remain valid. The Standard Certificate replaced the lifetime Provisional and Professional Certificates.

When will an educator have to renew the Standard Certificate(s)?

The renewal date of a standard certificate shall be five years after the last day of the certificate holder's next birth month. For example, an educator born in March who is issued a certificate in December 1999 would be subject to renewal requirements in March 2005.

Do current educators have to renew their lifetime (provisional) certificates?

No. Educators holding lifetime certificates have been exempted from the renewal process. It is important to note, however, that current educators adding certificates after September 1, 1999, will be issued the Standard Certificate, which must be renewed. As a result, it is likely that many current educators will hold both lifetime and Standard Certificates.

How soon may an educator begin the renewal process?

An educator may apply for renewal as early as six months prior to the expiration date of the standard certificate.

What happens if an educator does not renew the Standard Certificate?

Any Standard Certificate that is not renewed will move to inactive status. Reactivation procedures and fees will vary depending upon individual circumstances.

Is there a grace period for completing renewal requirements?

The SBEC executive director will consider hardship exemptions to the CPE requirements for documented health-related reasons and other extenuating circumstances.

Will educators have to take an examination to renew the Standard Certificate?

No.

How does an educator apply to renew a standard certificate?

Each educator will need to logon to the SBEC website at http://www.sbec.state.tx.us  and click on the link ‘Online Services for Educators' to apply for renewal of a standard certificate.

Any questions about the online application or use of the online system should be directed to the SBEC at 1-888-863-5880.

How will SBEC verify that an educator has satisfied renewal requirements?

Each educator will affirm through an online affidavit submitted to SBEC that all requirements for renewal have been met. Information regarding criminal history and compliance with student loan and child support obligations will be obtained by SBEC from other state agencies. If information is presented falsely on the affidavit, the educator could be subject to criminal charges and sanctioning of his/her certificate(s).

Educators are responsible for maintaining a record of their Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, and will not need to submit evidence of completion of CPE credits unless specifically requested by SBEC for audit purposes.

It is the responsibility of the educator and the ISD to determine which workshops or trainings meet the requirements for standard certificate renewal. SBEC staff will not make these determinations. Please do not contact SBEC staff requesting verification of CPE activities. CPE applicability determinations must be documented and maintained locally.

To allow maximum flexibility for educators to identify appropriate CPE activities to meet their individual needs,

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 CPE clock hours can be accrued through the following:

• workshops, conferences, and in-service or staff development delivered by an approved registered provider ;

• undergraduate and graduate coursework through an accredited institution of higher education, with one semester credit being equivalent to 15 CPE clock hours;

• interactive distance learning, video conferencing, or on-line activities;

• independent study, not to exceed 20% of the required clock hours;

• development of curriculum or CPE training materials;

• presenting CPE activities, not to exceed 10% of the required clock hours;

• serving as a mentor, not to exceed 30% of the required clock hours; and

• serving as an assessor for the principal assessment, not to exceed 10% of the required clock hours.

 Only those CPE activities from SBEC-approved registered providers will be recognized for Standard Certificate renewal purposes.

Additional information regarding acceptable CPE credit or approved providers, may be located on the SBEC website under the <Certification Information> link.

What is required for renewal every five years?

All certified educators, including educational aides, seeking to renew a certificate(s) must:

• hold a valid Standard Certificate that has not been, nor is in the process of being, sanctioned by SBEC;

• successfully complete a criminal history review;

• not be in default on a student loan or in arrears of child support;

• complete the required number of clock hours of continuing professional education (CPE);

• educational aides are not required to complete any CPE hours for certificate renewal; and

• pay the appropriate renewal fee.

 The CPE requirements for each class of certificate are as follows:

• classroom teachers must complete 150 clock hours every five years;

• counselors must complete 200 clock hours every five years;

• learning resource specialists and school librarians must complete 200 clock hours every five years;

• reading specialists must complete 200 clock hours every five years;

• educational diagnosticians must complete 200 clock hours every five years;

• master teachers must complete 200 clock hours every five years; and

• superintendents, principals, and must complete 200 clock hours every five years.

• Candidates currently assigned as a principal or assistant principal are required by law (Texas Education Code, section 21.054) to complete an assessment process designed to assist in the development of a professional growth plan (see 19 TAC Chapter 241.30 for more information). Professional development credit earned as a part of the professional growth plan can also be used to fulfill requirements for renewal of the principal certificate.

 Are there specific requirements regarding the number of CPE hours that must be accrued each year and the content of the CPE activities?

No. The only absolute requirement is the completion of the required number of CPE hours each five-year renewal period. Educators are encouraged to accumulate a minimum number of clock hours each year to stay current in the profession. It is suggested that at least five CPE hours each year be devoted to the content area for each certificate being renewed.

It is the responsibility of the educator and the ISD to determine which workshops or trainings meet the requirements for standard certificate renewal. SBEC staff will not make these determinations. Please do not contact SBEC staff requesting verification of CPE activities.

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How much does it cost to renew a certificate?

To renew all certificates for individuals with oneor more professional certificates (to include paraprofessional certificates, if any)		For individuals with only a Paraprofessional Certificate
On-time renewal of Standard certificate “renewal period” = 6 months prior to end of birth month = on time	$20		$10
Additional fee for late renewal of Standard certificate (1 day to 6 months after birth month) Status reads “inactive”	$20 renewal fee +$10 late fee = $30		$10 renewal fee + $5 Late fee = $15
Reactivation of inactive certificate Certificate is more than 6 months late in renewal. (Must fill out CPE evidence form and submit to SBEC) Status reads “inactive”	$20 renewal fee $20 reactivation fee = $40		$10 renewal fee $5 reactivation fee = $20
Reinstatement following restitution of child support or student loan repayment	$20 renewal fee + $30 reinstatement fee = $50		$10 renewal fee $5 late fee = $25