In response to NYSUT's concerns, the State Education Department will NOT charge any late fees for those who miss the deadline for a new online certification registration system that starts July 1. Originally, educators were subject to a $10/month fee until they registered or notified SED they do not wish to register. SED will waive the late fee for at least the first five-year certification cycle.
The new state law requires all permanently or professionally certified teachers and Level III teaching assistants working in public schools or BOCES to register online by the end of their birth month. Registration, which will be required every five years, will be done using the State Education Department's TEACH system. If you are required to register, you will need to create a TEACH account at www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach/. There is no cost to create an account or register.
NYSUT continues to press SED to recognize previously completed professional development hours for new continuing education requirements for professionally certified classroom teachers and Level III teaching assistants. Currently, professional development completed on or after July 1, 2016, but before your birth month, will count as Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours.
NYSUT has posted a printable "10 things you need to know" flier as well as a question form and more information on the new regulation at www.nysut.org/certification.
— Sylvia Saunders