Q: How can I register for the ProTeach Portfolio?
A: Visit Washington ProTeach Portfolio Assessment website: http://www.waproteach.com/. If you have questions regarding registration, contact ProTeach Portfolio Contact Center at 1-888-977-6824 or email waproteach@livetext.com.
Q: How can I register for National Board Certification?
A: Visit Washington State National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/nbpts/default.aspx. If you have questions contact Michaela Miller at OSPI at (360) 725-6119 or by email: Michaela.Miller@k12.wa.us.
Q: Does everyone have to earn a professional teaching credential in Washington State?
A: Yes. The professional teaching credential is a mandatory second tier license in Washington State.
Q: What is the current timeline for a residency certificate?
A: For a diagram on the length of residency certificate visit: Residency Certification timeline.
Q: How many times can I renew my residency certificate?
A: Prior to September 1, 2011, individuals obtain a residency valid for five years after teaching for two years (seven years total) with an option for a two year renewal if employed (nine years total).
Beginning September 1, 2011, individuals will receive a residency valid for three years after teaching for 2 years and accumulating 1.5 FTE experience (5 years total) with an option for two renewals of two years each (nine years total). Under these guidelines:
Beginning September 1, 2011, individuals will receive a residency valid for three years after teaching for 2 years and accumulating 1.5 FTE experience (5 years total) with an option for two renewals of two years each (nine years total). Under these guidelines:
• Individuals will have the option to obtain two renewals of the residency
• Each available renewal is valid for two years
• Individuals who are not employed may wait to obtain renewal until they return to teaching in Washington
• Individuals who have exhausted available renewals (unable to successfully complete the ProTeach external assessment or earn a National Board Certification, can return to teaching after five years from the expiration of their final residency renewal
Q: Are there any consequences if I have used all my certificate renewals and have not completed my Professional Certificate requirements by the expiration on my certificate of June 30, 2012?
A: Yes. Teachers that have exhausted all of their renewal options and have not passed the ProTeach Portfolio or earned a National Board Certificate by the June 30th deadline,will have an invalid teaching certificate for 5 years. WAC 181-79-251 (C) (iii)
Q: If my residency certificate expires, and I complete and pass ProTeach Portfolio or earn my National Board certificate after my certificate expires, will I be able to apply for and be issued a professional certificate before the 5 year waiting period is over?
A: No. Once a teacher allows their residency certificate to expire, the teacher must wait until the full 5 year waiting period is over.
Q: What if I have a residency certificate that will expire June 30, 2012, can I register for ProTeach, can I chose June 28, 2012 as my portfolio submission date?
A: No. You must have your score results before your June 30th expiration date. For chart with important ProTeach dates visit: ProTeach dates chart