News

At its March 2018 regular meeting, the PESB established a list of specific endorsements subject to the STEM certificate renewal requirement.

Beginning on September 1, 2019, renewal applications for residency, professional, and continuing teacher and CTE certificates must document completion of at least 15 clock hours, or at least one goal from an annual professional growth plan (PGP), with an emphasis on STEM integration to meet this renewal requirement.

STEM integration is the authentic combination of at least two of the STEM components (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). The requirement applies to the following currently offered STEM area endorsements:

• Computer Science
• CTE (All Areas)
• Designated Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science; Physics
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Mathematics; Middle Level Mathematics
• Science; Middle Level Science

For a list of endorsements no longer offered (but which may be held by current educators), and whether or not these endorsements are subject to the STEM certificate renewal requirement, please see the Stem Endorsement Areas (Sheet) list.

The STEM certificate renewal requirement is considered to be met by holders of a valid National Board Certificate.

For more information, please visit the STEM Renewal Requirement page on our website.

At its March 2018, the PESB made the decision to add the option of using a valid certificate issued by the NBPTS, NASP, or ASHA to be presented in place of the clock hour requirement for renewal of residency, professional, and continuing certificates, in the roles of teacher, administrator, and ESA.

This option is added to those currently in place for teachers, administrators, and ESAs holding residency, professional, or continuing certificates to renew a certificate, as follows:

• 100 clock hours or the equivalent in college credit,
• Or, by completing four annual PGPs during the five-year validity date of the certificate,
• Or, by combining completed PGPs with clock hours for a total of 100 hours. (e.g. 3 PGPs + 25 CH = 100 CH),
• Or, a valid National Board Certificate issued by the NBPTS; or a valid NCSP issued by the NASP; or a valid CCC issued by ASHA.

Holders of certificates in multiple roles (for example, teacher and principal; or teacher and ESA) may also renew with one of the above options.

Certain certificates have role specific renewal provisions. Please see http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/ for details.

The following documents may be helpful in updating staff:

• Updated flyer (Document) on renewing a Washington state certificate with a National Board certificate
• Certification Update (Slidedeck) presentation

Note acronym definition:

• NBCT: National Board Certified Teacher (issued by NBPTS)
  • NBPTS: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• NCSP: Nationally Certified School Psychologist (issued by NASP)
  • NASP: National Association of School Psychologists
• CCC: Certificate of Clinical Competence (issued by ASHA)
  • ASHA: American Speech Hearing Association

PESB sends out monthly email newsletters and announcements, to which you can subscribe at the bottom of the page

PESB News of Note March 2018

Thursday, March 8th 10am-12pm
Register by e-mailing Chelsea.Whealdon@k12.wa.us for a webinar link

This two hour webinar provide an overview of the process to become an approved educator preparation program, and will cover program data, reporting, and design requirements. This will be a presentation overview as well as opportunity for Q&A.

PESB sends out monthly email newsletters and announcements, to which you can subscribe at the bottom of the page.

PESB News of Note February 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alexandra Manuel, Executive Director, Alexandra.Manuel@PESB.wa.gov
Olympia, Washington – February 2, 2018

Professional Educator Standards Board Names Alexandra Manuel Executive Director

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is excited to announce the appointment of Alexandra Manuel as its new Executive Director.  The PESB concluded a rigorous, deliberative search of candidates that culminated with the selection of Director Manuel in a Special Meeting of the Board on Friday, February 2.

The members of the board expressed enthusiastic support of the leadership of Ms. Manuel through a unanimous vote of approval. “The Board is eagerly looking forward to the progressive, collaborative approach to leading that Alex employs,” stated Chairman Luke Thomas. “This decision is a reflection of her impressive skill set and the confidence that PESB members have in her ability to guide the entire agency to fulfill its charge in a manner that effectively empowers educators in Washington State to meet the needs of every student.”

Prior to her appointment, Alexandra served in a myriad of roles that have positively impacted student learning. Alexandra’s experience as a strategic leader has focused on education policy that expands access to educator preparation and advances equity to support student success. Alexandra brings her skills in community engagement, systems integration, and change management from her employment and consulting experience in both private and public organizations including Highline College, Seattle University, City of Auburn, the YMCA, City of Seattle, and University of Washington. Alexandra earned her B.A. degree at George Mason University in Organizational Development and Social Change and her Masters in Education from Seattle University.

Alexandra looks forward to bringing her passion and experience to the PESB. About her recent appointment, Alexandra stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Professional Educator Standards Board and the Paraeducator Board in its strategic efforts to support the success of all students in Washington schools. To ensure this we must lead in preparing, engaging and retaining our educators.  I look forward to advancing PESB’s policy and workforce development roles in continued collaboration with the education community in Washington.”

The Paraeducator Board is pleased to announce an additional opportunity to apply for the Pipeline for Paraeducator Conditional Loan Scholarship!

The next deadline is just a month away, on March 6th, but if you are unable to apply by this date we have created an additional review date, May 8th. Please be sure to pass this message along to all interested paraeducators.

Details of the program follow:

This program can provide funding for paraeducators interested in earning their residency teaching certificate, who have a minimum of three years classroom experience and no college degree, with up to $4,000 towards earning their Associate of Arts (AA) degree from a Washington community or technical college. Those awarded will be required to complete their AA within two years of award date, making them eligible to enroll in an Alternative Route 1 program to earn certification, and teach for a minimum of two years.

More information on the requirements and responsibilities of candidates are now available: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/paraeducator-board/paraeducator-board-grant-programs/pipeline-for-paraeducators-conditional-loan-scholarship/

We look forward to your application!