Hi, I was wondering, for any of you teacher moms out there, if anyone knew the rules for keeping your teaching credentials current in California. I was able to renew them this past summer because I had my 150 hours, but I don't know what to do now since I no longer work. I am a SAHM and will be for quite some time, but I don't want my credentials to expire. I worked so hard for them. Any help would be great. Thanks.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 08:16 am:

I've been a SAHM for 9 yrs., so it has been a long time, but I used to be the Staff Development Chairperson for my school. I did keep my teaching certification current for awhile even though I was no longer employed. I sent a packet with all required paperwork and proof of staff development hours, etc. to the State Department of Education. They have a special office that handles teacher certification. I'm not familiar with CA but I would think it's similar. A good start would be to contact the CA Department of Education.

CA Dept. of Ed.

HTH

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 10:33 pm:

When I wasn't working as a nurse, I just had to keep paying for my license every 2 years. I didn't want my license to lapse.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 08:09 am:

Dawn, not only do teachers have to pay a fee, but also are required to have so many hours of staff development to keep their certifications current. College courses, workshops, seminars, etc.. The requirements differ from state to state. In NH 9 yrs. ago - I had to have 50 hrs. of staff development every 3 yrs.. Some hours had to be specified in certain areas, such as Character Development or subjects that pertained to my specific teaching field.

Unfortunately, I had to let my certification expire. As a SAHM with a toddler and an infant who never took a bottle, it was very difficult to attend workshops and seminars. Most required travel and were costly.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 12:03 pm:

Yikes!