Summary of Proposed Action: Changes Continuing Teaching License to the Professional Teaching License and adds features recommended by the Licensure Redesign Team.

Background: HB 3254 (Enrolled-2013) Requires the Commission to create a Professional Teaching License by January 1, 2014. This rule does not have substantive effect upon the validity of any current licenses.

Issues/Concerns that Surfaced (if any): The statutory deadline has passed, so the bill must be filed as soon as possible. At the March 2014 Commission meeting, it was filed as a temporary rule.

Changed Since Last Commission Meeting? [Differences from the Continuing Teaching License are noted by bold and other changes.]

¨ N/A; First reading – Hasn’t been before the Commission

þ No; same as last meeting considered

¨ Yes – As follows:

Fiscal Impact: None

Staff Recommendation:

þ Adopt rule as presented

¨ Adopt rule in the future

¨ No recommendation

¨ File as Temporary Rule and Refer to public comment

Permanent Rule for Adoption

584-060-0525 (New Rule)

Professional Teaching License Requirements

(1) Upon filing a correct and complete application in form and manner prescribed by the commission, a qualified applicant may be granted a Professional Teaching License.

(2) This license is issued for five years and is renewable repeatedly under conditions specified below.

(3) This license is valid for regular teaching at one or more designated authorization levels in one or more designated subject-matter specialties and for substitute teaching at any level in any specialty.

(4) To be eligible for a Professional Teaching License an applicant must:

(a) Have educator fitness by possessing the personal qualifications for licensure including attainment of at least eighteen (18) years of age and possessing good moral character and mental and physical health necessary for employment as an educator;

(b) Meet or complete all requirements of the Initial I and the Initial II Teaching Licenses; and

(c) Hold a master's degree or equivalent or a higher degree in the arts and sciences or an advanced degree in the professions from a regionally accredited institution in the United States, or the foreign equivalent of such degree approved by the commission. A master's degree or a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States validates a non-regionally accredited bachelor's degree for licensure; and

(d) Have taught five full years on any non-provisional license appropriate for the assignment; and

(e) Demonstrate minimum competencies, knowledge and skills in accordance with OAR 584-018-0110 by completing one of the following:

(A) A TSPC approved Professional Teaching License program offered by a college or university; or

(B) A doctorate degree in education from a regionally accredited institution; or the foreign equivalent of such degree approved by the commission; or

(C) Certification by the National Boards of Professional Teaching Standards; or

(D) Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech and Hearing Association for those holding a communication disorders endorsement; or

(E) A commission-approved school district program; or

(F) Any commission-approved professional assessment designated for that purpose; or

(G) A Professional Certificate issued by the State of Washington.

(5) The Professional Teaching License may be renewed for five years upon completion of professional development requirements in accordance with OAR 584, Division 90.

Stat. Auth: ORS 342
Stats. Implemented: ORS 342.120 - 342.165, 342.125 & 342.138
Hist.: