Continuing Teaching License Questions and Answers

 

 

1.                  What is the Continuing Teaching License? (CTL)

 

Answer:  The CTL is an advanced competency license that is equivalent in achievement to the National Boards of Professional Teaching Standards.  The license represents a demonstration of advance teaching competency.  The programs for the CTL are designed to measure a teacher’s ability to lead all students to learning gains, measure those learning gains and show ability to advance the teaching profession as an individual. Additionally, the CTL is a five year license, whereas, all Initial Teaching Licenses are only three year licenses.

 

 

2.  Why is there a CTL?

 

Answer:  The CTLwas created as a required second stage license when licensure was redesigned in the late 1990’s.  Originally, it was required that all teachers holding an Initial Teaching License must complete requirements for the Continuing Teaching License within six years after they were first licensed in Oregon. Today it is optional. As of April 1, 2006, 447 teachers have earned their CTLin Oregon.

 

3.  What are the requirements for a CTL?

 

Answer: To be eligible for a Continuing Teaching License an applicant must:

  • Meet or complete all requirements of the Initial Teaching License; and
  • Hold a master's degree or higher 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, together with an equally accredited bachelor's degree; and
  • Have taught five years of at least half-time or more on any non-provisional license appropriate for the assignment; and
  • Demonstrate minimum competencies, knowledge and skills in accordance with OAR 584-017-0160 by completing one of the following:
    • A TSPC approved Continuing Teaching License program offered by a college or university; or
    • A doctorate degree in education from a regionally accredited institution; or
    • Certification by the National Boards of Professional Teaching Standards; or
    • Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech and Hearing Association for those holding a communication disorders endorsement; or
    • A commission-approved school district program; or
    • Any commission-approved professional assessment.

Note:  All of these requirements must be met to obtain this license. The commission does not offer waiver on any of the elements of the license. The license is mark of distinction and accomplishment.

 

4.  What school districts offer CTL programs?

 

Answer:  While Oregonstatute allows a school district to offer a CTLprogram, to date, no district has requested to have a CTLprogram approved by the Commission.

 

5.  How do I get a “commission-approved” professional assessment?

 

Answer:  Currently the two commission approved professional assessment avenues are Certification by the National Boards of Professional Teaching Standards and the Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech and Hearing Association for those holding a communication disorders endorsement.

 

6.  Where can I obtain a CTL?

 

Answer:  There are twelve TSPC approved programs that offer the CTL. You may access these programs through the following link: (LINK – Oregon Approved Teacher Education Programs)