 June 3, 2026
“This is June, the month of grass and leaves. Already the aspens are trembling again, and a new summer is offered me.”
– Henry David Thoreau
- Action Needed: Educator Renewal for June 30
- It's Here! New Certification Website!
- Walk-In Availability Update
- EWU CTE Plan 2 Clock Hour Program
- CTE Administrators-Summer School Reminder
- Application Process-Rush Requests
- CTE Form Updates
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Action Needed: Educator Renewal for June 30, 2026
Please assist the OSPI Professional Certification Department in notifying educators who hold a certificate with an expiration date of June 30, 2026, to apply for renewal of their certificate.
An email notice will be sent to all full certificate holders every month who have an expiration date of June 30, 2026 and have yet to apply for renewal, to the email listed in their E-Certification (eCert) account.
Notification Process:
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Once S-275 data is available in the system, run the eCert Certificate Expiration report using 6-30-2026 as the expiration date.
- Check for educators with no application submission noted. Disregard educators not returning to your district, who already have a renewal application on file, or who have already been issued another certificate.
- The Professional Certification Department recommends that comparisons be made between the eCert Certificate Expiration report and school district records to ensure consistency in the results.
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Notify educators who are expiring this school year and have yet to apply to renew their certificate.
- Instruct these educators to submit an application, which may include a character and fitness report (found in the application) and the requirement to be fingerprinted if they do not have a valid certificate.
Fingerprint and Background Check Reminder
Fingerprint results need to be on file to process an application and issue a certificate. Fingerprint and background checks cannot be expedited. Individuals that still need to complete the fingerprint/background check process may experience the following delays.
- If an educator has applied and fingerprints are in the system, the request may take 7–10 business days.
- If an educator has applied and fingerprints are not in the system, it may take 10–15 business days or more to obtain results from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
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It's Here! New OSPI Professional Certification Website!
Key Improvement and Differences
Simple Structure
- Shifted from role-based to stage-based (first-time, reissue, renewal)
- Reduced pages from 122 to 47
Consistent Content
- Standardized language across pages
- Added glossary to reduce extra notes
- Improved call-out boxes for consistent, targeted information
Clearer Navigation
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Consolidated duplicate content
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Important pages are now discoverable from top levels
Stronger Landing Pages
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Focus on headings, terminology guidance, tasks, quick links, and next steps
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Created new pages for previously buried content (Endorsements, Assessments, eCert)
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Created resource hubs accessible on the main landing page
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Walk-In Availability Reminder
Due to limited staffing, walk-in availability will now be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9–4:30 pm. We understand that these days may not work for everyone. If you need a different day, please reach out at 360-725-6400 to schedule an alternative time.
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Eastern Washington University (EWU) CTE Plan 2 Clock Hour Program:
EWU is excited to bring back our CTE Plan 2 Clock Hour Program in the summer of 2026! 9 six-week quality courses with CTE experienced instructors that have been revised by CTE experts across the state. The cost will be $200 per 10 clock hours, with up to 25 credits available for a total cost of $5000.
Interested candidates can register at the EWU CTE web page or call 509-359-6121.
Please note that EWU still offers the CTE Administration and MED Programs.
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Attention CTE Administrators-Summer School Reminder
For Summer school, please be sure your CTE teacher(s) hold a VALID CTE permit or CTE certificate in the VCODES they are teaching for summer school. Remember to place a Rush request on those applications, so the Professional Certification Department can issue those certificates before summer school starts.
For questions, email Kelli Bennett (Kelli.bennett@k12.wa.us)
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Application Process-Rush Requests
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A Rush Request is a courtesy provided by the OSPI Professional Certification Department that allows a school district to request a priority review (10-business days) for submitted applications. |
Please Note:
Rush Requests cannot be submitted for Pre-Residency Clearance or Paraeducator applications and only ONE Rush Request can be placed on an application.
Rush Request Requirements
Before submitting, verify the following criteria:
- The educator's application status says "Open or Re-Opened"
- Valid fingerprint results on file (not "pending" or "resubmit")
- Does NOT already hold a valid certificate for the assignment
- For Educational Staff Associates, verify their professional license (Nurse, Occupational, or Physical Therapist, etc.)
To better assist the priority review of a submitted application, please ensure educators have turned in applicable information such as fingerprint background check results, transcripts, verification forms, and professional license before requesting a rush.
Updated CTE Forms
The following forms have been recently updated.
- 4075G-CTE Plan 2 Program Completion Verification (language update ONLY)
- 4075H-Verification of CTE Teaching Experience
They are available on the CTE Teacher page under the CTE Plan 2: Business and Industry Requirements accordion, and the Certification Forms page under the CTE section.
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Resources
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Questions?
If you or an educator has questions regarding information in this newsletter, reach out to our Professional Certification Customer Service team at 360-725-6400 or by email at cert@k12.wa.us, and one of our Program Specialists will assist you.
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The OSPI Professional Certification Department thanks you for your collaboration in support of Washington state educators!
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