In August 2020, PESB issued emergency rules allowing approved preparation programs to recommend teacher candidates for an emergency certificate if they had met all requirements for program completion with the exception of assessments. To provide additional flexibility, a new emergency rule has extended the deadline for programs to recommend their candidates for this emergency certificate.
What is an emergency certificate?
Programs may recommend candidates for an emergency certificate if the candidate has completed all program requirements, including coursework and clinical practice, with the exception of one or more of the assessment requirements. This includes the edTPA, WEST-E, WEST-B, and NES. This emergency teacher certificate is valid for one year and can be reissued for one additional year with program recommendation.
With the emergency certificate, a teacher can practice anywhere in Washington State, as it is not district-specific.
Once a candidate has completed all assessment requirements, their preparation program can then recommend them for residency certification.
What are the deadlines for program recommendations for an emergency certificate?
The emergency teacher certificate is valid for one year and can be reissued for a second year with program recommendation. Programs may recommend candidates for their first emergency certificate by December 31, 2021. Programs may recommend candidates for their second emergency certificate by June 30, 2022.
How do candidates apply for the emergency certificate, and what is the deadline?
Once a program has recommended a candidate for the certificate, the candidate will need to complete the application through the OSPI Certification Office no later than December 31, 2022.
What role does the preparation program play in this emergency certificate?
Programs are required to inform, advise, and support candidates on assessment requirements while they hold the emergency certificate, just as they are for other candidates who have not yet been recommended for a residency certificate. WAC 181-78a-231(3).
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