PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR

STANDARDS BOARD

Two levels of certification may be issued.

(1) Initial and continuing certificates: Teachers with program completion dates through August 31, 2000, administrators with program completion dates through August 31, 2004, and educational staff associates with program completion dates through August 31, 2005, will be issued the following levels of certificates: Provided, That initial and continuing teachers' certificates after August 31, 2000, initial and continuing principal and program administrator certificates after August 31, 2004, and initial and continuing educational staff associate certificates after August 31, 2005, will be issued only to previous Washington certificate holders, pursuant to WAC 181-79A-123:

(a) Initial certificate. The initial teacher certificate is valid for four years and the initial administrator and educational staff associate certificates are valid for seven years. Initial teacher certificates shall be subject to renewal pursuant to WAC 181-79A-250(1) and 181-79A-123. Initial administrator and educational staff associate certificates shall not be subject to renewal. Initial administrator and educational staff associate certificate holders shall be issued a continuing certificate if they meet the requirements for such certificate. Initial administrator and educational staff associate 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.

(b) Continuing certificate. The continuing certificate is valid on a continuing basis as specified in WAC 181-79A-250(3).

(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) Until September 1, 2017, the first issue of a residency certificate for ((teachers,)) principals, program administrators, and educational staff associates shall be valid until the holder has completed two consecutive years of successful service in the role in Washington with a school district, state approved private school, or state agency that provides educational services for students. When the principal, program administrator, or educational staff associate completes two consecutive years of successful service in the role in the state with the same employer, their residency certificate will be reissued with a five-year expiration date; provided, that the second consecutive year of successful service in the role will be considered to be complete for purposes of reissuance if a contract for the third such year has been signed and returned to the employer. Prior to the expiration date, the candidate must earn a professional certificate or meet residency renewal requirements under WAC 181-79A-250; provided, that residency ESA school social worker certificate holders have no residency renewal or professional certificate options and may apply for an initial ESA conversion or continuing ESA under requirements in place at time of application submission.

(c) Beginning September 1, 2017, 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 successful 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. Provided, that residency ESA school social worker certificate holders have no residency renewal or professional certificate options and must apply for an initial ESA or continuing ESA certificate for the role under requirements in place at the time of application submission.

(((c) For teachers, after September 1, 2011,)) (d) A first issue ((teacher)) residency teacher certificate remains undated until the teacher ((is eligible to register for the professional certificate assessment)) has two years of successful experience under WAC 181-79A-206, at which time the residency certificate is dated for ((three)) five years as verified by the certification office of the office of superintendent of public instruction((: Provided, That teachers who hold an undated initial residency certification and teach in nonpublic school settings as defined under WAC 181-79A-030 are considered to hold a valid certificate and may participate in the professional certificate requirements by submitting proof of experience under WAC 181-79A-206.

(e) 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. The professional certificate is valid for five years and shall be subject to renewal pursuant to WAC 181-79A-250. Provided, That a professional teacher's certificate based on the possession of a valid teacher's certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards National Board Certification pursuant to WAC 181-79A-257 (3)(b) or 181-79A-206 (3)(a) shall be valid for five years or until the expiration of the National Board Certificate, whichever is greater. Provided further that 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 pursuant to 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 pursuant to WAC 181-79A-252.

Candidates for teachers' certificates shall complete the following requirements in addition to those set forth in WAC 181-79A-150.

(1) Initial/residency.

Candidates for the initial or residency certificate shall hold an approved baccalaureate degree from ((a regionally)) an accredited college or university pursuant to WAC 181-79A-030(5).

(2) Continuing.

(a) Candidates who apply for a continuing certificate shall have at least forty-five quarter hours (thirty semester hours) of upper division and/or graduate work completed from ((a regionally)) an accredited institution of higher education subsequent to the conferral of the baccalaureate degree: Provided, That if the individual is pursuing study in a new subject matter area or specialization, lower division (freshmen or sophomore level) credit hours in that subject area or specialization shall be accepted toward continuing certification upon completion of the requirements for an endorsement in that subject area or specialization.

(b) Candidates applying for a continuing certificate prior to September 1, 2000, shall have been granted at least two subject area endorsements.

(c) Candidates who apply for a continuing certificate who have not successfully completed course work or an in-service program on issues of abuse, must complete the abuse course work requirement as defined in WAC 181-79A-030(6).

(d) Candidates for continuing teachers' certificates shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days or full-time equivalent or more satisfactory teaching experience with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(3) Professional.

(a) Candidates for the professional certificate shall have successfully completed the external portfolio of evidence assessment ((as directed by RCW 28A.410.220(2))) adopted by the professional educator standards board. The professional certificate requires successful demonstration of the three standards (effective teaching, professional development, and professional contributions) and twelve criteria, pursuant to WAC 181-79A-207.

(i) A candidate may submit a portfolio of evidence to the external assessment for evaluation ((as per RCW 28A.410.220(2))) following two years of successful teaching in a state-approved public, private or state operated education program for children as defined in Title 28A RCW: Provided, the candidate was employed at least three-quarters time each year or a total of one and one-half full-time equivalent over a minimum of two years as defined in WAC 392-121-212. The portfolio assessment elements shall be determined by the professional educator standards board and include requirements for the candidates to prepare and submit a professional growth plan approved and supported by a professional growth team.

(ii) A professional growth plan identifying the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards set forth in WAC 181-79A-207 is prepared by the candidate for a professional certificate, in collaboration with members of the professional growth team. The candidate will identify a professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030(((11))) (14).

(iii) Teacher professional certificate portfolio evidence of assessment pilot participants who have not attended a program but received a "met criteria" on all entries submitted to the pilot assessment would receive the professional certificate and not be required to attend a program.

(b) Provided, individuals who hold a teaching certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) shall be deemed to have met the requirements of the professional certificate, in place of the requirements in (a) of this subsection.

(c) Candidates who apply for a professional certificate who have not successfully completed course work or an in-service program on issues of abuse, must complete the abuse course work requirement as defined in WAC 181-79A-030(6).

(d) Candidates who have successfully completed the requirements for the professional certificate prior to the expiration of their residency certificate which would subject them to reinstatement according to WAC 181-79A-251 (1)(a)(iii) but failed to apply for the certificate may apply for the professional certificate. ((Individuals who are subject to reinstatement according to WAC 181-79A-251 (1)(a)(iii) who do not meet requirements for the professional certificate prior to the expiration of the residency certificate may apply for the professional certificate following not less than five years from the final residency expiration.))

Notwithstanding other requirements prescribed in this chapter for eligibility for certification in the state of Washington, the following certificates shall be issued under specific circumstances set forth below for limited service:

(1) Conditional certificate.

(a) The purpose of the conditional certificate is to assist local 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. The professional educator standards board encourages in all cases the hiring of fully certificated individuals and understands that districts will employ individuals with conditional certificates only after careful review of all other options. The professional educator standards board asks districts when reviewing such individuals for employment to consider, in particular, previous experience the individual has had working with children.

(b) Conditional certificates are issued upon application by the local school district, approved private school, or educational service district superintendent to persons who meet the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements of WAC 181-79A-150 (1) and (2), if one of the following conditions is verified:

(i) The applicant is highly qualified and experienced in the subject matter to be taught and has unusual distinction or exceptional talent which is able to be demonstrated through public records of accomplishments and/or awards; or

(ii) No person with regular teacher certification in the endorsement area is available as verified by the district or educational service district superintendent or approved private school administrator, or circumstances warrant consideration of issuance of a conditional certificate.

(c) In addition, conditional certificates are issued to persons in the following categories only if no person with regular certification is available:

(i) The applicant qualifies to instruct in the traffic safety program as paraprofessionals pursuant to WAC 392-153-020 (2) and (3); or

(ii) The applicant is assigned instructional responsibility for intramural/interscholastic activities which are part of the district or approved private school approved program; or

(iii) The applicant possesses a state of Washington license for a registered nurse: Provided, That the district will be responsible for orienting and preparing individuals for their assignment as described in (e)(iii) of this subsection; or

(iv) The applicant has completed a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university. All speech-language pathologists or audiologists providing services under a current and valid conditional certificate issued as of June 30, 2003, will be fully qualified consistent with WAC 181-79A-223 by the year 2010. First conditional certificates, issued to speech-language pathologists or audiologists after June 30, 2003, which are valid for up to two years, may be reissued once for up to two years, if the individual provides evidence that he/she is enrolled in and completing satisfactory progress in a master's degree program resulting in the initial ESA school speech-language pathologists or audiologist certificate.

(v) The applicant for a conditional teaching certificate in special education shall hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college/university.

(vi) The issuance of a conditional certificate to a special education teacher after July 1, 2003, is contingent upon the individual being enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program resulting in a residency teacher certificate endorsed in special education. The conditional certificate is valid for up to two years and may be reissued once for one year upon verification by the college/university that the individual is completing satisfactory progress in the residency teacher certificate program.

(vii) 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.

(d) The educational service district or local district superintendent or administrator of an approved private school will verify that the following criteria have been met when requesting the conditional certificate:

(i) The district or educational service district superintendent or approved private school administrator has indicated the basis on which he/she has determined that the individual is competent for the assignment;

(ii) The individual is being certificated for a specific assignment and responsibility in a specified activity/field;

(e) When requesting the conditional certificate for persons who provide classroom instruction, the educational service district superintendent or local district superintendent or approved private school administrator will verify that the following additional criteria will be met:

(i) After specific inclusion on the agenda, the school board or educational service district board has authorized submission of the application.

(ii) The individual will be delegated primary responsibility for planning, conducting, and evaluating instructional activities with the direct assistance of a school district or approved private school mentor and will not be serving in a paraprofessional role which would not require certification;

(iii) Personnel so certificated will be oriented and prepared for the specific assignment by the employing district or approved private school. A written plan of assistance will be developed, in cooperation with the person to be employed within twenty working days from the commencement of the assignment. In addition, prior to service the person will be apprised of any legal liability, the responsibilities of a professional educator, the lines of authority, and the duration of the assignment;

(iv) Within the first sixty working days, personnel so certificated will complete sixty clock hours (six quarter hours or four semester hours) of course work in pedagogy and child/adolescent development appropriate to the assigned grade level(s) as approved by the employing school district or approved private school.

(f) The certificate is valid for two years or less, as evidenced by the expiration date which is printed on the certificate, and only for the activity specified. The certificate may be reissued for two years and for two-year intervals thereafter upon application by the employing local school district, approved private school, or educational service district and upon completion of sixty clock hours (six quarter hours or four semester hours) of course work since the issuance of the most recent certificate. The requesting local school district, approved private school, or educational service district shall verify that the sixty clock hours taken for the reissuance of the certificate shall be designed to support the participant's professional growth and enhance the participant's instructional knowledge or skills to better assist students meeting the state learning goals and/or essential academic learning requirements.

(2) Substitute certificate.

(a) The substitute certificate entitles the holder to act as substitute during the absence of the regularly certificated staff member for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty days during the school year in any one assignment. Districts or approved private schools employing a teacher holding a substitute certificate in any one assignment for more than thirty days must within twenty days develop a plan of professional learning for the individual that is appropriate to the assignment and designed to support their professional growth and enhance instructional knowledge and skills to meet district needs and better assist students in meeting the state learning goals. This certificate may be issued to:

(i) Teachers, educational staff associates or administrators who hold or have held a regular state of Washington certificates: Provided, educational staff associates may only substitute in the role of their certificate; or

(ii) Persons who have completed state approved preparation programs and baccalaureate degrees at accredited colleges and universities for certificates; or

(iii) Persons applying as out-of-state applicants who qualify for certification pursuant to WAC 181-79A-257 (1)(c) and (d); or

(iv) Persons who hold or have held a continuing career and technical education teacher certificate.

(b) The substitute certificate is valid for life.

(3) Emergency certification.

(a) Emergency certification for the roles of principal, teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, school speech language pathologist or audiologist and school social worker may be issued upon the recommendation of school district and educational service district superintendents or approved private school administrators to persons who hold a bachelor's degree and are enrolled in a state-approved preparation program for the role, if it is a role for which state-approved programs are required, in accordance with Washington requirements for certification and shall be the best qualified of the candidates for the position as verified by the employing school district: Provided, That a qualified person who holds regular certification for the requested role is not available or that the position is essential and circumstances warrant consideration of issuance of an emergency certificate: Provided further, That an emergency certificate issued with a special education endorsement may be reissued once for one school year upon verification by the college/university that the individual is completing satisfactory progress in the residency teacher certificate program: Provided further, That a candidate for emergency certification as a principal holds a master's degree and has substantially completed the state-approved preparation program: Provided further, That a candidate for emergency certification as a school psychologist shall be enrolled in a state-approved school psychologist preparation program, shall have completed all course work for the required master's degree, and shall be participating in the required internship: Provided further, That a candidate for emergency certification as a school speech language pathologist or audiologist shall be enrolled in a master's degree program resulting in issuance of an initial ESA certificate in accordance with Washington requirements for certification, and may be renewed one time if the candidate has substantially completed the required master's degree program.

(b) The emergency certificate is valid for one year or less, as evidenced by the expiration date which is printed on the certificate.

(4) Emergency substitute certification.

(a) If the district or approved private school has exhausted or reasonably anticipates it will exhaust its list of qualified substitutes who are willing to serve as substitutes, the superintendent of public instruction may issue emergency substitute certificates to persons not fully qualified under subsection (2) of this section for use in a particular school district or approved private school once the list of otherwise qualified substitutes has been exhausted.

(b) Such emergency substitute certificates shall be valid for three years or less, as evidenced by the expiration date which is printed on the certificate.

(c) To ensure that related services personnel deliver special education services in their respective discipline or profession, the office of superintendent of public instruction may not issue emergency substitute certificates for individuals to serve in an educational staff associate role in accordance with 34 C.F.R. Part 300.156 (b)(2)(ii).

(5) Nonimmigrant alien exchange teacher. Applicants for certification as a nonimmigrant alien exchange teacher must qualify pursuant to WAC 181-79A-270 and be eligible to serve as a teacher in the elementary or secondary schools of the country of residence.

(6) Intern substitute teacher certificate.

(a) School districts and approved private schools may request intern substitute teacher certificates for persons enrolled in student teaching/internships to serve as substitute teachers in the absence of the classroom teacher.

(b) The supervising college or university must approve the candidate for the intern substitute teacher certificate.

(c) Such certificated substitutes may be called at the discretion of the school district or approved private school to serve as a substitute teacher only in the classroom(s) to which the individual is assigned as a student teacher/intern.

(d) The intern substitute teacher certificate is valid for one year, or less, as evidenced by the expiration date which is printed on the certificate.

(7) Transitional certificate.

(a) An individual whose continuing ((or residency)) certificate has expired according to WAC 181-85-040 ((or 181-79A-251)) may be issued a transitional certificate to be employed on a conditional basis upon request by a school district, approved private school, or educational service district superintendent. The holder of the transitional certificate must successfully complete ((the external assessment established by the professional educator standards board)) requirements for continuing certificate reinstatement within two years of the date the holder was issued the transitional certificate ((in order to continue to be employed: Provided, one year has elapsed since the final renewal expired and the teacher registers and passes the professional certificate assessment within the two years under WAC 181-79A-251)). The transitional certificate expiration date shall not be calculated under professional educator standards board policy WAC 181-79A-117.

(b) No individual whose continuing certificate has been suspended or revoked shall be eligible to be employed under this section.

(c) School districts, approved private schools, and educational service districts are strongly encouraged to develop with the holder of a transitional certificate a plan of assistance to be sure the holder completes the necessary continuing certificate reinstatement requirements under WAC 181-85-130 within the two-year conditional employment period specified under (a) of this subsection if the holder is to continue to be employed.

(d) The transitional certificate is not renewable and may not be reissued.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(ii) Individuals who were unemployed or employed less than full-time as a teacher during the first two-year renewal may permit their certificate to lapse. Upon contracting to return to a teacher role, individuals may apply for a final, second two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit a uniform assessment portfolio for the professional certification assessment;

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

(2) Teacher professional certificate.

(a) ((A valid)) Individuals who hold a professional teacher certificate ((issued prior to September 1, 2014,)) may ((be)) have that certificate 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 four professional growth plans annually during the period in which the certificate is valid as defined in WAC 181-79A-030. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

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

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

(((ii))) (c) Until June 30, 2018, 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. Beginning July 1, 2018, individuals who complete an annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of twenty-five continuing education credit hours.

(((iii))) (d) 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.

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

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

(vii))) (g) For educators holding multiple certificates in WAC 181-79A-251, 181-79A-2510, 181-79A-2511, or 181-79A-2512, 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.

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

(iii) 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)) This requirement is considered met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

(1) Principals/program administrators who hold or have held residency certificates may ((renew)) have their residency ((certificate in one of the following ways:

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

For educators holding multiple certificates in WAC 181-79A-251, 181-79A-2510, 181-79A-2511, or 181-79A-2512, 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. 

(b) A three-year renewal is available until June 30, 2020, for individuals who have held or hold a principal or program administrator residency certificate that expires prior to July 1, 2019.

(2) Professional certificate. Individuals who hold a professional certificate may ((be)) have that certificate 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 completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC or 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. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete the necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

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

(b) Until June 30, 2018, 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. Beginning July 1, 2018, individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of ((thirty)) twenty-five hours of continuing education credit hours.

(c) 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 181-78A-540(1))).

(d) Provided, as per RCW 28A.410.278(2) beginning September 1, 2016, in-service training, continuing education, or professional growth plans shall incorporate professional development on the revised teacher and principal evaluation systems under RCW 28A.405.100 as a requirement for renewal of continuing or professional level certificates. Certificates with a renewal date of June 30, 2019, and beyond for all principals and program administrators must document completion of at least fifteen clock hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan, related to knowledge and competency of the teacher and principal evaluation criteria or system. This requirement is considered met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

(e) ((Provided, any educator holding a professional certificate 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. 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.

(f))) For educators holding multiple certificates as described in WAC 181-79A-251, 181-79A-2510, 181-79A-2511, or 181-79A-2512 of this chapter, 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.

(1) School counselors may renew their residency certificate in one of the following ways:

(a) 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 residency 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.

(b) An individual school counselor who completes or intends to complete a National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) school counselor assessment but does not earn National Board Certification may use that completed assessment, or an affidavit of intention to complete, in order to renew the residency certificate one time for two years.

(c) Individuals who hold((, or have held,)) a residency certificate ((who are not in the role of school counselor)) 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 as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC, directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270(4) since the issuance of the residency certificate, or four annual professional growth plans as defined in WAC 181-79A-030, completed within the previous five years from the date of the five-year renewal application. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

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

(d) A three-year renewal is available until June 30, 2020, for individuals who have held or hold a school counselor residency certificate that expires prior to July 1, 2019.

(2) Professional.

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

(((i))) (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(4); or

(((ii))) (b) Completion of four professional growth plans that are developed annually since the certificate was issued. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

(ii))) (c) Until June 30, 2018, individuals who complete an annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty continuing education credit hours. Beginning July 1, 2018, each completed annual professional growth plan shall receive the equivalent of twenty-five continuing credit clock hours.

(d) 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 181-78A-540(2).

(iii))) as published by the professional educator standards board for administrators and educational staff associates.

(e) 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. Such renewal is only available one time during the validity period of the National Board Certificate and cannot be the same National Board Certificate used to obtain the professional certificate.

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

(g) For educators holding multiple certificates as described in WAC 181-79A-251, 181-79A-2510, 181-79A-2511, or 181-79A-2512 of this chapter, 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.

(vii) After)) (h) Beginning July 1, 2015, professional certificates for school counselors, in addition to the requirements in this chapter, must attend professional educator standards board approved training in suicide prevention as per RCW 28A.410.226 for renewal of their certificate.

(1) School psychologists may renew their residency certificate in one of the following ways:

(a) 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: Provided, That individuals with expiring certificates in 2014, 2015, 2016, or 2017 may apply for a second two-year renewal with verification of NCSP submission.

(b) An individual who holds((, or has held,)) a residency certificate ((who is not in the role of school psychologist)) may have their residency certificate 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((,)) as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270(5) from ((a regionally)) an accredited institution of higher education ((taken since the issuance of the residency certificate)) or four annual professional growth plans as defined in WAC 181-79A-030, completed within the previous five years from the date of the five-year renewal application. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

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

(c) School psychologists with residency certificates dated to expire June 30, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, or 2017, may apply until June 30, 2016, for a two-year extension. These individuals may apply for a second two-year extension until June 30, ((2018)) 2020.

(2) Professional. (((a) For certificates issued under rules in effect prior to September 1, 2014, a valid)) Individuals who hold a professional certificate may ((be)) have that certificate renewed for additional five-year periods by:

(((i))) (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-540(2); or

(((ii))) (b) Completion of four professional growth plans that are developed annually since the certificate was issued. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

(ii))) (c) Until June 30, 2018, individuals who complete an annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty continuing education credit hours. Beginning July 1, 2018, each completed annual professional growth plan shall receive the equivalent of twenty-five continuing credit clock hours.

(d) 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 181-78A-540(2))) as published by the professional educator standards board for administrators and educational staff associates.

(((iii))) (e) Provided, That a school psychologist professional certificate may be renewed based on the possession of a valid nationally certified school psychologist 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 nationally certified school psychologist certificate, whichever is greater. Such renewal is only available one time during the validity period of the nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP) certificate and cannot be the same nationally certified school psychologist certificate used to obtain the professional certificate.

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

(v))) (g) For educators holding multiple certificates as described in WAC 181-79A-251, 181-79A-2510, 181-79A-2511, or 181-79A-2512 of this chapter, 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.

(vii) After)) (h) Beginning July 1, 2015, professional certificates for school psychologists, in addition to the requirements in this chapter, must attend professional educator standards board approved training in suicide prevention as per RCW 28A.410.226 for renewal of their certificate.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the following certificates issued on or after August 31, 1987:

(1) ((Continuing)) Residency certificates as provided in chapter 181-79A WAC.

(2) Continuing certificates as provided in chapter 181-79A WAC.

(3) Standard certificates as provided under previous standards of the professional educator standards board.

(((3))) (4) Professional certificates as provided in chapter 181-79A WAC.

(((4))) (5) Provided, That applicants who have completed all requirements for a continuing or standard certificates prior to August 31, 1987, and who apply for such certificate prior to July 1, 1988, and applicants who have completed all requirements for a continuing or standard certificate except one of the three-years experience requirement prior to August 31, 1987, and who completes such requirement and applies prior to August 31, 1988, shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements of this chapter.

Continuing education requirements are as follows:

(1) Each holder of a continuing certificate affected by this chapter shall be required to complete during a five-year period one hundred ((fifty)) continuing education credit hours, as defined in WAC 181-85-025 and 181-85-030, prior to the lapse date of the first issue of the continuing certificate and during each five-year period between subsequent lapse dates as calculated in WAC 181-85-100.

(2) Individuals holding a valid continuing certificate in subsection (1) of this section may choose to renew the certificate via annual professional growth plans developed since the certificate was issued. Completion of four annual professional growth plans during each five-year period between subsequent lapse dates meets the requirement for renewal. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete the necessary continuing education credit hours needed to be the equivalent of one hundred ((fifty)) hours to meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section. 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 for teachers, ((WAC 181-78A-540(1))) and as published by the professional educator standards board for administrators((, or WAC 181-78A-540(2) for)) and educational staff associates. For educators holding multiple certificates in chapter 181-85 WAC or WAC 181-79A-251, a professional growth plan for teacher, administrator, or educational staff associate shall meet the requirement for all certificates held by an individual which is affected by this section. Until June 30, 2018, each completed annual professional growth plan shall receive the equivalent of thirty continuing education credit hours. Beginning July 1, 2018, each completed annual professional growth plan shall receive the equivalent of ((thirty)) twenty-five continuing education credit hours.

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

(3) Provided, That each holder of a continuing or a standard 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.

(4) Each holder of a continuing school psychologist certificate affected by this chapter may present a copy of a valid National Certified School Psychologist certificate issued by the National Association of School Psychologists in lieu of the completion of the continuing education credit hours required by this chapter.

(5) 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/or 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; secondary science; the designated sciences; and career and technical education. Applications for certificate renewal dated September 1, 2019, and beyond must demonstrate completion of at least fifteen continuing education credit hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan with an emphasis on the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This requirement is considered to be met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

(6) Provided, as per RCW 28A.410.278(2) beginning September 1, 2016, in-service training, continuing education, or professional growth plans shall incorporate professional development on the revised teacher and principal evaluation systems under RCW 28A.405.100 as a requirement for renewal of continuing or professional level certificates. Applications for certificate renewal dated September 1, 2019, and beyond for all teachers, principals, program administrators, and superintendents with continuing certificates must document completion of at least fifteen clock hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan, related to knowledge and competency of the teacher and principal evaluation criteria or system. This requirement is considered to be met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate issued by the NBPTS.