State of Alaska > Department of Education & Early Development > Teacher Certification > Recent Changes

Recent Changes to Teacher Certification

Fingerprint/Employment Verification

• A fingerprint card may be submitted prior to the completed application. The form for submitting a fingerprint card prior to application is available on the Teacher Certification website under quick downloads.

• An additional fingerprint card will not be required of applicants who are currently certified and under contract with an Alaska school district. Applicants will need to provide employment verification in the form of a signed copy of their current contract or a letter from their district.

Basic Competency Exams

• Praxis I official score reports will be accepted directly from applicants.

• Additional basic competency exams were added to Alaska’s approved list. The complete listing is available at www.eed.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification.

Tier I Initial, Type B & C (Temporary, Provisional & Reemployment)

• The expiration date of all currently active Initial certificates will be changed to June 30 or December 31. Certificates issued between January 1 and June 30 will expire on June 30. Certificates issued between July 1 and December 31 will expire on December 31. Effective as of February 1, 2009.

• All new Initial certificates will be set to expire on June 30 or December 31. Certificates issued between January 1 and
  June 30 will expire on June 30. Certificates issued between July 1 and December 31 will expire on December 31.

Five-Year Teaching, Administrative, and Special Services Certificates

• As individuals renew, reinstate or apply, their five-year certificates will expire on the applicants’ birthday. Effective
  February 1, 2009.
• Individuals may submit an application packet for renewal one year prior to the expiration date on the certificate being renewed.

Alaska Teacher Performance Review

• The Alaska Teacher Performance Review is no longer a requirement for Initial or Professional certification.