Keeping your teaching license active is essential for educators who want to continue their careers without interruption. Each state has its own renewal requirements, timelines, and fees. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of the renewal process for each U.S. state, including links to official websites where you can find the most up-to-date information.
General Steps for Renewing a Teaching License
While the specific process varies by state, most educators will follow these general steps:
- Check Your State’s Renewal Requirements – Every state has unique continuing education or professional development requirements.
- Complete Required Professional Development – Most states require a certain number of continuing education hours or credits.
- Submit Renewal Application – Apply through your state’s department of education, often online.
- Pay Renewal Fees – Fees vary by state and license type.
- Undergo Background Checks – Some states require periodic background checks.
- Meet Additional Requirements – Some states have state-specific exams or coursework.
State-by-State Teaching License Renewal Guide
Alabama
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 50 hours of professional development or 3 semester hours of coursework
- Fee: $30
- Website: https://www.alsde.edu/
Alaska
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 6 semester hours of coursework and fingerprint-based background check
- Fee: $200
- Website: https://education.alaska.gov/
Arizona
- Renewal Period: Every 6 years
- Requirements: 15 continuing education clock hours per year of certification
- Fee: $50
- Website: https://www.azed.gov/
Arkansas
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 36 hours of professional development annually
- Fee: $75
- Website: https://ade.arkansas.gov/
California
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: No continuing education required, but renewal must be completed online
- Fee: $100
- Website: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/
Colorado
- Renewal Period: Every 7 years
- Requirements: 90 clock hours of professional development
- Fee: $90
- Website: https://www.cde.state.co.us/
Connecticut
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 90 hours of professional development
- Fee: $200
- Website: https://portal.ct.gov/SDE
Delaware
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 90 hours of professional development
- Fee: $100
- Website: https://www.doe.k12.de.us/
Florida
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 120 hours of professional development, including 20 hours in teaching students with disabilities
- Fee: $75
- Website: https://www.fldoe.org/
Georgia
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 10 professional learning units or a valid National Board certification
- Fee: $20
- Website: https://www.gapsc.com/
Hawaii
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 60 hours of professional development
- Fee: $60
- Website: https://hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org/
Idaho
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 6 semester credits of coursework
- Fee: $75
- Website: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/
Hawaii
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 60 hours of professional development
- Fee: $60
- Website: https://hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org/
Idaho
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 6 semester credits of coursework
- Fee: $75
- Website: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/
Illinois
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 120 professional development hours
- Fee: $50
- Website: https://www.isbe.net/
Indiana
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 6 semester hours or 90 professional growth points
- Fee: $35
- Website: https://www.in.gov/doe/
Iowa
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 6 renewal credits and mandatory reporter training
- Fee: $85
- Website: https://educate.iowa.gov/
Kansas
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 120 professional development points or 6 semester hours
- Fee: $50
- Website: https://www.ksde.org/
Kentucky
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 15 graduate credit hours or 3 years of teaching experience
- Fee: $85
- Website: https://www.kyepsb.net/
Louisiana
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 150 professional development hours
- Fee: $50
- Website: https://www.teachlouisiana.net/
Maine
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 6 credits of professional development
- Fee: $100
- Website: https://www.maine.gov/doe/
Oregon
- Renewal Period: Every 3 to 5 years (depending on license type)
- Requirements: 75 Professional Development Units (PDUs) for a 3-year license, 125 PDUs for a 5-year license
- Fee: $182
- Website: https://www.oregon.gov/tspc
Texas
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 150 continuing professional education (CPE) hours
- Fee: $40
- Website: https://www.tea.texas.gov/
Washington
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 100 clock hours of professional development or 10 semester credits
- Fee: $74
- Website: https://www.k12.wa.us/certification
Wyoming
- Renewal Period: Every 5 years
- Requirements: 5 credits of professional development
- Fee: $100
- Website: https://wyomingptsb.com/
Key Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process
- Start Early – Begin gathering your documents and fulfilling requirements at least 6 months before your license expires.
- Keep Records – Maintain copies of your professional development certificates, coursework, and any other necessary documentation.
- Check for Updates – State policies change, so verify renewal requirements regularly.
- Use Online Systems – Many states offer online license renewal for faster processing.
- Stay Informed – Join local or national teaching organizations for updates on policy changes.
Conclusion
Renewing your teaching license is essential to maintaining your position in the education sector. Understanding your state’s specific requirements and deadlines will help ensure a seamless renewal process.
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