Renewal of a California Teaching Credential
Like other states, teachers in California need to renew their credentials in order to keep teaching. This short article will tell you all you need to know about renewing the Clear Credential, Child Development Permit, and Substitute Teaching Permit in the Golden State.
How to Renew Your Teaching Permits in California
<p>Although having to renew your teaching credential can be an inconvenience, it is a relatively simple and direct process in California. Indeed, seasoned teachers may be able to remember a time when the renewal of a California teaching credential required proof of professional growth and 150 hours of teaching time. But this is no longer the case. Now many CA teachers can complete the entire process online. Continue reading to learn more about the various credentials and their renewal processes.
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<table border="1"><tr><td> Certification Renewal Period</td><td> Five Years</td></tr>
<tr><td> CEU Credits Required for Renewal</td><td> Clear Credential - None; Child Development Permit - 105 hours; Substitute Permit - None</td></tr>
<tr><td> Average Salary (2017)*</td><td> $77,390 (high school teachers); $74,190 (middle school teachers); $77,990 (elementary school teachers)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide)*</td><td> 9% (high school teachers); 8% (middle school teachers); 7% (elementary school teachers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
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<h3 id="section---RenewalOptions"> Renewal Options</h3>
<p>In much the same way that there are many different kinds of teachers, there are many different kinds of teaching credentials. The type of permit you need depends on what type of teacher you are, so it's important to know the differences and how to apply to renew each one. The three most distinct teaching credentials are:
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<ul><li>The Clear Credential: The most common credential that applies to most professional teachers in California.
</li><li>The Child Development Permit: This applies to teachers who teach in childcare or development programs.
</li><li>The Substitute Permit: Which applies only to substitute teachers.
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ClearCredential">Clear Credential</h3>
<p>Most first time teachers are awarded a Preliminary Teaching Qualification. This credential is not renewable, and instead teachers must apply for the Clear Credential. There are two ways to get a Clear Credential:
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<p>1) Complete an approved Teacher Induction Program and apply through the program's sponsor.
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<p>2) Submit proof of National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification and an application.
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<p>Once you have a Clear Credential, it lasts for five years before you need to renew it. To renew your Clear Credential, simply login to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website, choose the document you wish to renew and pay the application fee. It's important to note that renewing the clear credential can only be done online at the moment.
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<h3 id="section---ChildDevelopmentPermitRenewal">Child Development Permit Renewal</h3>
<p>Like the Clear Credential, the Child Development Permit lasts for five years. However unlike the Clear Credential, to renew your permit, you have to demonstrate that you have registered over 105 hours of professional growth activities. These activities can include completing relevant university courses, attending conferences, or conducting relevant research. This credential can also be renewed online.
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<h3 id="section---RenewingYourSubstitutePermit">Renewing your Substitute Permit</h3>
<p>Unlike the Child Development Permit or Clear Credential, the Substitute teaching permit (also called the Emergency 30-day Substitute Permit) lasts only for only one year before it must be renewed. Thankfully it's a simple process, you can renew your Substitute permit by logging into the CTC website, and following the same process as you would for the clear credential. Once more, the substitute permit can only be renewed online.
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<h3 id="section---ExtendingYourPermit">Extending Your Permit</h3>
<p>If, for whatever reason, you are unable to renew your credential, you may be apple to ask for an extension by filing an appeal. To do this, you must download and fill out the 41-4 application form and mark the application as an appeal. You must state why you are appealing for an extension, provide documents proving why you need to extend (such as a note from a physician), and provide the correct documentation proving you met renewal requirements.</p>