New Teacher Certification Regulations:  New hoops, hurdles, rules and terminology

 

Gone are the terms “provisional” and “permanent” for people applying for new certificates; in are the terms “initial,” “transitional” and “professional” certification.  Local leaders need to be keenly aware of these changes for they will have profound impact on our newer members for years to come.

 

Who is impacted?

· All candidates applying for NYS teachers’ certificates on or after February 2, 2004.

· Teachers holding valid Provisional Certificates may still seek Permanent Certification for those provisional certificate titles under the “old” regulations.

· Teachers holding Permanent Certification are not affected unless they apply for additional

       certification(s).

 

What will the new certificates be called and for how long are they valid?

· Initial:  Valid for five years from effective date

· Transitional:  Valid for three years from effective date

· Professional:  Continuously valid provided that the professional development requirements are met.

 

To whom does each certificate apply?

· Initial:  Generally, candidates who are completing baccalaureate or higher degree programs and who have also completed required coursework and student teaching; and who have passed New York State certification tests.

· Transitional:  Alternative certification candidates with a commitment of employment from a school district

· Professional:  Candidates holding initial or transitional certificates and meeting the additional education and experience requirements for the professional certificate.

 

What are the certificate requirements?

Initial:

· Baccalaureate degree;

· Coursework in liberal arts and sciences, certification area and pedagogy (including student teaching); and

· LAST (Liberal Arts and Sciences Test);

· ATS-W (Assessment of Teaching Skills Test);

· CST (Content Specialty Test) – Except for certification in speech and language disabilities

Professional:

· Master’s degree;

· Three years of teaching experience including one year mentored teaching experience; and

· No examinations (CST required for speech and language disabilities)

 

How will certificate titles be different than under the “old” regulations?

Titles will be aligned with both school subjects and school grade levels in narrower ranges than the “old” regulations.

 

For more information, see NYSUT Information Bulletin No. 200510, Mar. 05,

or Teacher Certification in New York State

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