COST License Renewal & Continuing Education Flashcards

Which organization provides a widely used framework for teacher professional development standards that states reference when designing renewal requirements?

Answer: Learning Forward (formerly the National Staff Development Council)

Learning Forward's Standards for Professional Learning are the primary national framework many states use to guide the design and evaluation of teacher PD for license renewal.

Can a teacher certified through out-of-state reciprocity typically count National Board Certification (NBC) toward license renewal requirements?

Answer: Yes, most states accept National Board Certification as satisfying renewal requirements, often for multiple renewal cycles

National Board Certification is a rigorous, nationally recognized credential that most states accept as fulfilling renewal requirements, often exempting the teacher from other PD mandates for the renewal period.

What is the main difference between 'in-service training' and 'formal coursework' for teacher license renewal?

Answer: In-service training refers to school-provided PD workshops, while formal coursework refers to credit-bearing university classes

In-service training typically consists of non-credit professional development sessions delivered by employers, while formal coursework refers to accredited college or university classes that award academic credit.

How does earning a master's degree after initial certification typically affect a teacher's license renewal obligations?

Answer: Graduate coursework often satisfies multiple renewal cycles and can waive some ongoing PD requirements

Most states credit graduate coursework heavily toward renewal, and some may waive renewal requirements for a full cycle when a teacher earns a master's degree.

What is a 'life license' or 'permanent certificate' and why have most states moved away from issuing them?

Answer: A license with no expiration date, phased out because ongoing renewal ensures teachers stay current with evolving standards and practices

Life licenses were once common but are now rare because states recognize that education practices evolve and periodic renewal ensures all teachers maintain current professional competencies.

An out-of-state teacher is renewing their license and wants to count online professional development courses toward the requirement. What should they verify first?

Answer: That the online courses are from a state-approved or accredited provider recognized by their state's department of education

State departments of education maintain lists of approved PD providers, and only courses from recognized providers count toward license renewal regardless of delivery format.