Regents Approve New Certification Requirements for Qualified Out-Of-State Teachers and School Leaders

The New York State Board of Regents today amended the rules by which well-qualified, out-of-state teachers, school leaders and school district leaders may obtain New York State certification. The new rules are expected to expand the pool of qualified educators in New York, thereby helping to fill positions in underserved subject areas and communities.  

“New York’s teaching shortage is real,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “In some areas the shortage is severe, and it will continue to get worse if we don’t do something about it. I am confident that today’s action by the Board will encourage well-qualified, out-of-state teachers and leaders to share their skills and knowledge in New York’s schools and school districts – and that’s good news for our students.”

“Too many communities are unable to find qualified candidates to teach their students and run their schools and school districts,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “The rules adopted by the Regents today will help ease New York’s teacher shortage while upholding the highest standards for entry into the profession.”

The amendment makes three significant changes to New York’s out-of-state endorsement provisions:

• Candidates certified as a school district leader or school district business leader seeking to qualify for certification in New York will now be required to have three or more years of experience teaching in the subject area of their valid certificate or acting as a school building leader or school district or school district business leader within the five years immediately preceding their application for endorsement; prior rules required the three years of experience to have occurred within the preceding 10 years.
• Endorsement candidates will now be required to provide satisfactory documentation that they received evaluation ratings of “effective” or “highly effective” (or the substantial equivalent of such ratings) in their three most recent years of experience in a public school.
• Certified out-of-state teachers and leaders who have demonstrated effective experience in the certificate title sought will no longer be required to take and pass New York’s certification examinations.

Under the new criteria, the Commissioner will endorse the out-of-state certificate (or equivalent authorization) and issue an initial certificate to practice in New York to individuals with the following qualifications:

Certified teachers from another U.S. State or territory may qualify for an initial certificate in New York if they meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid teaching certificate that is equivalent to the title and type of the certificate sought and has no limits or restrictions;
• Meet New York’s general certificate requirements, including citizenship, training related to child abuse identification/reporting, school violence prevention/intervention, harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention/intervention, and a criminal history check;
• Have at least three years of satisfactory experience in a public school in a position requiring an initial or professional certificate within five years preceding the application date or equivalent experience; and have had effective or higher evaluation ratings in the three most recent years of employment; and
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or higher education institution that the Commissioner deems substantially equivalent, with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher in the program leading to the degree.

Certified school district leaders, school district business leaders, and school building leaders from another U.S. State or territory may qualify for a school district, district business, or building leader certificate in New York if they meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid school district/district business/building leader certificate that is equivalent to the title and type of certificate sought and that has no limits or restrictions;
• Meet New York’s general certificate requirements, including citizenship, training related to child abuse identification/reporting, school violence prevention/intervention, harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention/intervention, and a criminal history check;
• Have at least three years of satisfactory experience in a public school in a position requiring an initial or professional certificate within five years preceding the application date or equivalent experience; and have had effective or higher evaluation ratings in the three most recent years of employment; and
• Hold a master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or equivalently approved higher education institution as determined by the Department, with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher.

The amendment adds an endorsement pathway for school building leaders. Previously, no such out-of-state endorsement pathway existed for school building leaders.