text:
(a) (1) A school district that may issue warrants pursuant to Section 42647 may, at its discretion, provide for the registration of a valid certification or other document authorizing the holder to serve in a position requiring certification qualifications as an employee of the school district.

(2) A school district shall not provide for the registration of a valid certification or other document authorizing the holder to serve in a position requiring certification qualifications as an employee of the school district until the school district has obtained proof that the holder has obtained a credential, certificate, or permit authorizing the performance of services in the public schools from the commission.

(b) During any period when summary criminal history information is not available from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an applicant for an initial credential, certificate, or permit shall not be employed in a position requiring certification qualifications until he or she has met the minimum requirements for a temporary certificate of clearance. A temporary certificate of clearance or a credential, certificate, or permit authorizing service in the public schools shall be issued when the applicant has:

(1) Made full disclosure of all facts necessary to establish his or her true identity.

(2) (A) Made a statement under penalty of perjury that he or she has not been convicted of a crime that would constitute grounds for the denial of the credential, permit, or certificate applied for.

(B) An applicant shall not be required to disclose, and the Committee of Credentials shall not inquire into or consider, any acts or omissions not related to the applicant’s fitness to teach or to perform other duties for which he or she is certificated, or that is related to his or her competence to perform the duties authorized by his or her credential.

(3) Paid to the commission the amount of twelve dollars ($12) or the fees or costs that have been or will be assessed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the issuance of its summary criminal history of the applicant when this information is once again made available to the commission. The fees authorized by this paragraph shall be applicable to all credentials, permits, and certificates that were applied for or issued after October 1, 1981.

(c) Upon receipt of a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that it has no summary criminal history information on the applicant, or upon receipt of the summary criminal history information and clearance by the Committee of Credentials, a temporary certificate of clearance shall be converted to a regular certificate of clearance.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 199, Sec. 3. (AB 681) Effective January 1, 2018.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


kind: section

code: EDC

text:
(a) (1) Before issuing a temporary certificate pursuant to Section 44332, a county board of education or city and county board of education shall obtain proof that the applicant has obtained a credential, certificate, or permit authorizing the performance of services in the public schools from the commission and shall not issue a temporary certificate if the applicant has been convicted of a violent or serious felony.

(2) Before issuing a temporary certificate of clearance pursuant to Section 44332.5, a school district shall obtain proof that the applicant has obtained a credential, certificate, or permit authorizing the performance of services in the public schools from the commission and shall not issue a temporary certificate of clearance if the applicant has been convicted of a violent or serious felony.

(b) This section applies to any violent or serious offense that, if committed in this state, would have been punishable as a violent or serious felony.

(c) For purposes of this section, a violent felony is any felony listed in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code and a serious felony is any felony listed in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a person shall not be denied a temporary certificate or a temporary certificate of clearance solely on the basis that he or she has been convicted of a violent or serious felony if the person has obtained a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a person shall not be denied a temporary certificate or a temporary certificate of clearance solely on the basis that the person has been convicted of a serious felony that is not also a violent felony, if that person can prove to the sentencing court of the offense in question, by clear and convincing evidence, that he or she has been rehabilitated for the purposes of school employment for at least one year. If the offense in question occurred outside this state, then the person may seek a finding of rehabilitation from the court in the school district in which he or she is a resident.

(f) (1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), a county board of education or city and county board of education may issue a temporary certificate to an employee currently and continuously employed by a school district within the county who is serving under a valid credential and has applied for a renewal of that credential or for an additional credential without obtaining a certificate of clearance from the commission for that employee.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), a county board of education or city and county board of education may issue a temporary certificate of clearance to an employee currently and continuously employed by a school district within the county who is serving under a valid credential and has applied for a renewal of that credential or for an additional credential without obtaining a certificate of clearance from the commission for that employee.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 199, Sec. 4. (AB 681) Effective January 1, 2018.)

division: 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION

part: 25. EMPLOYEES

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

chapter: 2. Teacher Credentialing

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
The standard for the exchange credential shall be as prescribed by the commission pursuant to Section 44853.

This credential shall authorize service in a position requiring certification qualifications as an exchange certified employee for performance of the services specified in the credential. Services for which a license is required by the Business and Professions Code may not be authorized unless the applicant holds such a license.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: Except as provided in this code, no certification document shall be granted to any person unless and until he has subscribed to the following oath or affirmation: “I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of California, and the laws of the United States and the State of California.” The oath or affirmation shall be subscribed and certified or declared, pursuant to Section 2015. 5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, and shall be filed with the commission. Any certificated person who is a citizen or subject of any country other than the United States, and who is employed in any capacity in any of the public schools of the state shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, subscribe to an oath to support the institutions and policies of the United States during the period of his sojourn within the state. Upon the violation of any of the terms of the oath or affirmation, the commission shall suspend or revoke the credential which has been issued.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
The issuance of any teaching credential requires (1) the passing of a satisfactory examination on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States in a community college, college, or university of recognized merit or (2) the satisfactory completion of two semester units of work on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States in any university or college from which undergraduate credits earned are accepted by the commission as meeting undergraduate credit requirements for credentials issued by the commission or in any publicly supported community college in the state. Public and private institutions in California may be authorized to attest to the individual’s satisfaction of this requirement.

The requirements of this section do not apply to the designated subjects teaching credential authorizing part-time employment only.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 36.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: When required by the commission, the application for a certification document or the renewal thereof shall be accompanied by a certificate in such form as shall be prescribed by the commission, from a physician and surgeon licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code or a physician assistant practicing in compliance with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, showing that the applicant is free from any contagious and communicable disease or other disabling disease or defect unfitting the applicant to instruct or associate with children.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 512, Sec. 4. (SB 1069) Effective January 1, 2011.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: No person otherwise qualified shall be denied the right to receive credentials from the commission, to receive training for the purpose of becoming a teacher, or to engage in practice teaching in any school, on the grounds he or she is an individual with a disability; nor shall any school district refuse to engage a teacher on such grounds, provided, that the teacher, with reasonable accommodations, is able to carry out the duties of the position for which he or she applies in the school district. “Disability,” as used in this section, means (1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, (2) a record of such an impairment, or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 913, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 1993.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: No person otherwise qualified shall be denied the right to receive credentials issued by the commission, to receive training for the purpose of becoming a teacher, or to engage in practice teaching in any school, on the ground he or she is a person with a disability; provided, that the person does not pose a direct threat of substantial harm to the health or safety of other individuals.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 913, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 1993.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The commission shall adopt, in addition to any other regulations authorized by law, regulations requiring every applicant for a credential, or for the renewal of a credential, to submit reasonable evidence of identification and good moral character.

(b) The adopted rules and regulations shall specify that an applicant shall not be required to disclose, and the Committee of Credentials shall not inquire into or consider, any acts or omissions not related to the applicant’s fitness to teach or perform other duties for which he or she is certificated, or which is related to his or her competence to perform the duties authorized by his or her credential.

(c) The adopted rules and regulations shall also prescribe the notice which shall be supplied to each applicant on the application form, which shall include the following information:

(1) The offenses which constitute grounds for the mandatory denial or revocation of a credential.

(2) The offenses for which the commission is authorized to deny or revoke a credential, depending upon the degree of rehabilitation or requalification demonstrated by the applicant.

(3) The standards under which the commission determines that it shall not investigate or pursue offenses which are not clearly related to an applicant’s fitness or competence to teach or perform other certificated services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 996, Sec. 4. Effective September 14, 1982.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The commission, by July 1, 2019, shall authorize the use of an individual tax identification number in lieu of a social security number for purposes of applying for a credential, or the renewal of a credential, when an applicant cannot provide his or her social security number.

(b) An applicant shall not be required to disclose citizenship status or immigration status for purposes of the application or renewal of a credential.

(c) An applicant shall not be denied a credential based solely on his or her citizenship status or immigration status if otherwise qualified and eligible for the credential.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 838, Sec. 4. (SB 695) Effective January 1, 2019.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
Each applicant for a credential, or for the renewal of a credential, shall submit with his application duplicate personal identification cards provided by the commission upon which shall appear the legible fingerprints and a personal description of the applicant.

The commission is authorized to, and shall adopt such regulations as may in its judgment be necessary for the administration of this section.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) (1) For the purpose of ascertaining the moral character and true identity of the holder of a credential or an applicant for a credential or the renewal of a credential after jurisdiction to commence an initial review pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44242.5 has been established, the commission is authorized to require the production of information, records, reports, and other data from any public agency. For the purposes of determining whether jurisdiction exists, the commission is also authorized to require the limited production of records as set forth in subdivision (f) of Section 44242.5.

(2) This information shall be provided to the commission within 30 days of the request.

(3) The commission shall maintain the confidentiality of this information in accordance with Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of the Civil Code.

(b) Except for the situation prescribed in subdivision (d), every applicant for a credential or for the renewal of a credential shall be deemed to have given his or her consent for the securing of, and disclosure of, information to the commission for the sole purpose of ascertaining the moral character and true identity of the holder of a credential, the applicant for a credential, or a credential holder applying for the renewal of the credential.

(c) The Department of Justice shall furnish, upon application of the commission or its authorized representative, all information pertaining to any applicant of whom there is a record in its office except that information which may compromise or prejudice an ongoing criminal investigative matter may be withheld until the matter is completed.

(d) With the written consent of an applicant for a credential or a credential holder, the commission upon written request of any private school authority, shall release to that private school authority information and other data relative to the identification or fitness of any applicant for a teaching position in the private school so long as not otherwise prohibited by any other provision of law.

(e) Each application for a credential shall contain notice that the information provided by the applicant is subject to investigation for, and verification of, the applicant’s moral character and true identity by means of review of information, records, reports, and other data from any agency or department of the state or any political subdivision of the state, whether chartered by the state or not, secured by the commission for these purposes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 342, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 2002.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: Teachers, principals, supervisors, school librarians, superintendents and assistant superintendents, and other certified personnel who are presently employed in public schools in California shall not be adversely affected by this chapter. However, presently employed personnel and those in preparation shall be permitted to seek initial or renewal certification under the terms of this chapter.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: A credential which was issued prior to July 1, 1973, shall remain in force as long as it is valid and continues to be valid under the law and regulations of the commission. The commission may not by regulation invalidate such valid credential unless it issues to the holder thereof, in substitution, a new credential authorized by other sections of this chapter which is no less restrictive than the credential for which it was substituted with respect to the kind of service which it authorizes, and the grades or classes of types of schools in which it authorizes services.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The commission shall issue a comparable credential at the preliminary level to an eligible applicant for the purpose of providing instruction or services in public schools if all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The eligible applicant possesses and provides proof of a valid, out-of-state, unexpired, professional-level teaching or services credential.

(2) The eligible applicant provides evidence that the eligible applicant is, is married to, or is in a domestic partnership or other legal union with, an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

(3) The eligible applicant provides either of the following:

(A) A copy of their, or their spouse or domestic partner’s, official military orders for reassignment to California.

(B) Evidence of their spouse or domestic partner’s death while serving as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States in the previous 12 months.

(4) The eligible applicant satisfies the fingerprinting requirement for purposes of conducting a criminal background check and satisfies the professional fitness requirement pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a credential issued pursuant to this section shall be valid only for the duration of the military orders pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a).

(2) A credential issued to eligible applicants who provided evidence pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) shall be valid for no more than three years. A credential issued pursuant to this paragraph may only be issued once.

(c) An eligible applicant licensed under this section may subsequently apply for full licensure in California based on existing pathways for out-of-state prepared educators.

(d) The commission shall issue a credential under this section to a spouse of a United States military service member consistent with subdivision (a) of Section 44343.5.

(e) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States” means any person serving in a full-time duty status in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, including members of any reserve component of those forces and members of the National Guard.

(2) “Eligible applicant” means any United States military service member or their spouse or domestic partner, or a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a service member who died while serving as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States in the previous 12 months.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 48, Sec. 33. (SB 114) Effective July 10, 2023.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The commission shall grant or deny a completed application for a credential within seven days of the date that the commission received the application if the applicant does both of the following:

(1) Supplies the commission with evidence that the applicant is married to, or in a domestic partnership or other legal union with, an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to a duty station in this state under official active duty military orders.

(2) Holds a valid teaching credential in another state, district, or territory of the United States.

(b) The seven-day processing time set forth in this section shall not apply to an application subject to a fitness review by the commission pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 44240).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 436, Sec. 1. (AB 226) Effective January 1, 2018.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The commission shall issue the appropriate credentials authorized by the law operative, and the rules and regulations of the commission in effect on December 31, 1971, to any person who completed the requirements for such credential before September 15, 1974.

(b) A person may be issued a credential under this section after September 15, 1974, if that person, between December 31, 1971, and September 15, 1974:

(1) Was engaged in teaching in a foreign country, after such person had completed the requirements of such credential.

(2) Holds a credential issued under partial fulfillment and was working towards meeting the requirements of that credential and was enrolled in a teacher training institution.

(3) Was working towards meeting the requirements of such credential and was prevented from completing those requirements because of active military service, illness, or other causes determined by the commission.

(4) Was accepted into and enrolled in a teacher education curriculum at any institution and would be required to take more than 15 semester-hour units or the equivalent quarter-hour units after September 15, 1974, beyond the requirements necessary to receive such credential, in order to meet the requirements of credentials issued under this chapter.

(5) Was enrolled in a student-declared degree program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education leading to such credential with at least a junior standing as determined by the institution and would be required to take more than 15 semester-hour units or the equivalent quarter-hour units after September 15, 1974, beyond the requirements necessary to receive such credential, in order to meet the requirements of credentials issued under this chapter.

(c) No credential authorized under this law and rules and regulations in effect on December 31, 1971, shall be issued to any person pursuant to the exceptions specified in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (b) after September 15, 1976.

(d) For purposes of this section, “teacher education curriculum” means any professional education course or sequence of professional education courses required for a credential authorized by the law operative, and the rules and regulations of the commission in effect on December 31, 1971.

(e) For purposes of this section, “student-declared degree program” means any student-elected degree objective at a regionally accredited institution of higher education selected for the purpose of obtaining a credential authorized by the law operative, and the rules and regulations of the commission in effect on December 31, 1971.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 26. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
The commission may deny any application for the issuance of a credential or for the renewal of a credential made by any applicant who falls under any of the following categories:

(a) Lacks the qualifications which are prescribed by law or regulations adopted by the commission pursuant thereto.

(b) Is physically or mentally so disabled as to be rendered unfit to perform the duties authorized by the credential for which he or she applies. However, the mere fact that an applicant has sought or received psychiatric treatment shall not be considered as preliminary evidence of mental disability and shall not provoke special scrutiny of such applicant’s qualifications for a credential.

(c) Is addicted to the use of intoxicating beverages to excess.

(d) Is addicted to the use of controlled substances.

(e) Has committed any act involving moral turpitude.

(f) Has had a certification document revoked.

(g) Has intentionally practiced or attempted to practice any material deception or fraud in his or her application.

(h) Fails or refuses to furnish reasonable evidence of identification or good moral character.

(i) Has been convicted of any offense defined in subdivision 1 of Section 314 of the Penal Code prior to September 7, 1955.

Any denial pursuant to subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, shall be based upon reasons related to the applicant’s fitness to teach or fitness to perform other duties for which that applicant is certificated, or competence to perform the duties which the credential would authorize the applicant to perform.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1635, Sec. 25.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The commission shall deny an application for the issuance of a credential or for the renewal of a credential made by any applicant who comes within any of the following classes:

(1) Has been determined to be a sexual psychopath under the provisions of former Article 1 (commencing with Section 6300) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code or under similar provisions of law of any other state.

(2) Has been convicted of a sex offense, as defined in Section 44010.

(3) Has been convicted of a controlled substance offense, as defined in Section 44011.

(4) Has been found to be insane through a criminal proceeding by a federal court or a court in this or any other state.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), a person shall not be denied a credential solely on the basis that the person has been convicted of a crime specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a) if the person has obtained a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code, and if probation has been terminated and the information or accusation has been dismissed pursuant to Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code.

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission shall deny the application of an applicant who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to either of the following:

(A) Section 290 of the Penal Code.

(B) A law of any other state or of the United States when the underlying offense, if committed or attempted in this state, would require registration as a sex offender under Section 290 of the Penal Code.

(c) (1) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) or subdivision (b), the commission may issue a credential to a person convicted of a controlled substance offense, as defined in Section 44011, if the commission determines from the evidence presented that the person has been rehabilitated for at least five years, or has received a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code, or if the accusation or information against the person has been dismissed and the person has been released from all disabilities and penalties resulting from the offense pursuant to Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), a person shall not be denied a credential solely on the basis that they have been convicted of a crime specified in Section 11350 or 11377, or former Section 11500 or 11500.5, of the Health and Safety Code, if that conviction is more than five years old, and for which relief has been granted pursuant to Section 1203.4, 1203.4a, 1203.41, 1203.42, 1203.425, or 1203.49 of the Penal Code.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), the commission may issue a credential to a person found to be insane through a criminal proceeding by a federal court or a court in this or any other state if the commission determines from the evidence presented that the person has been rehabilitated for at least five years.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 814, Sec. 2. (SB 731) Effective January 1, 2023.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The commission shall deny any application for the issuance of a credential made by an applicant who has been convicted of a violent or serious felony or a crime set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 44424 or whose employment has been denied or terminated pursuant to Section 44830.1.

(b) This section applies to any violent or serious offense which, if committed in this state, would have been punishable as a violent or serious felony.

(c) For purposes of this section, a violent felony is any felony listed in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code and a serious felony is any felony listed in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the commission may, but is not required to, grant a credential to an applicant who has been convicted of a violent or serious felony if the person is eligible for, and has obtained, a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 342, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 2002.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice of all individuals, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 49024, for the purposes of obtaining information as to the existence and content of a record of state or federal convictions and state or federal arrests and also information as to the existence and content of a record of state or federal arrests for which the Department of Justice establishes that the individual is free on bail or on his or her own recognizance pending trial or appeal.

(b) When received, the Department of Justice shall forward to the Federal Bureau of Investigation requests for federal summary criminal history information received pursuant to this section. The Department of Justice shall review the information returned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and compile and disseminate a response to the commission.

(c) The Department of Justice shall provide a state and federal level response to the commission pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

(d) The commission shall request from the Department of Justice subsequent arrest notification service, as provided pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code, for individuals described in subdivision (a) of Section 49024 of this code.

(e) The Department of Justice shall charge a fee sufficient to cover the cost of processing the request described in this section.

(f) (1) If a denial of an application for a certificate is due at least in part to the individual’s state or federal criminal history record, the commission shall provide to the individual a copy of his or her criminal history record search response with the notice of the denial.

(2) The state or federal criminal history record search response shall not be modified or altered from its form or content as provided by the Department of Justice.

(3) The criminal history record search response shall be provided in such a manner as to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the individual’s criminal history record and the criminal history record search response shall not be made available by the commission to any school district or county office of education.

(4) The commission shall retain a copy of the individual’s criminal history record search response, and the date and the address to which it was sent. The commission shall make this information available upon request by the Department of Justice or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 328, Sec. 41. (SB 1330) Effective January 1, 2011.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) Pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code, the commission shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice of all commission employees, prospective employees, contractors, appointees pursuant to Section 44210, and volunteers.

(b) The Department of Justice shall provide a state- or federal-level response to the commission pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 831, Sec. 4. (AB 2473) Effective September 28, 2024.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: The terms of credentials shall be as specified in this article.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: Except as otherwise specifically required in this chapter, the commission shall establish regulations pertaining to the expiration dates of initially issued and renewed credentials.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: Each credential issued by the commission shall clearly state the kind of service that it authorizes, the grades or classes, or the types of schools in which it authorizes service, and shall have such other content as the commission may prescribe or as may be prescribed by authority of the commission.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) Each credential issued shall contain its date of expiration, be issued on a form prescribed by the commission, and bear the signatures of the executive director and the chair of the commission or their facsimile signatures.

(b) In order to ensure the timely processing of an application for a credential, either electronically or by printed copy, the commission shall process an application within 50 business days of receipt.

(c) A school district, county office of education, nonpublic school, charter school, or institution of higher education submitting an application for a credential, certificate, permit, or other document shall submit the application to the commission not more than three months after the issuance date of the document requested.

(d) The processing time set forth in subdivision (b) does not apply to an application subject to a fitness review by the commission pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 44240) of Chapter 2, or an application subject to a fitness review based on allegations of unfitness pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 44420) of Chapter 3.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 133, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
Whenever the date of expiration of any credential occurs while the person holding the credential is in the active military service of the United States of America or of the State of California, including active service in any uniformed auxiliary of, or to, any branch of such military service created or authorized as such auxiliary by the Congress of the United States of America or by the Legislature of the State of California or in the service of the United States Merchant Marine, or in the full-time paid service of the American Red Cross, during any national emergency declared by the President of the United States of America, or during a war in which the United States of America is engaged, or within six months after such person honorably leaves such service or has been placed on inactive duty, the credential is hereby continued in force until six months after such person honorably leaves such service or has been placed on inactive duty.

The holder of a credential so extended shall be entitled to a renewal of the credential prior to its date of expiration as herein fixed, subject to provisions of this code relating to the renewal of credentials.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
Whenever satisfactory proof is presented to the commission by any person to whom the commission has granted a credential that has been lost or destroyed, the commission shall issue to him a new credential of the same kind, grade, character, and tenure as that lost or destroyed.

For issuance of the new credential the commission shall require a fee to cover the cost of replacement not to exceed the fee for issuance of an original credential pursuant to Section 44235. The revenues from the fee provided for in this section shall not be available for expenditure until appropriated.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: Satisfactory proof shall consist of an affidavit by the person, giving the kind of the credential, the date of issue, if possible, and the basis upon which it was issued, together with such other information as the issuing authority may require.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text: Any oath required of an applicant for a credential may be administered by any of the persons enumerated in Section 60, by such employees of the Department of Education as the Superintendent of Public Instruction may designate, and by such employee of the commission as the commission may designate.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), all credentials regularly issued are valid until revoked, suspended, or expired as provided by law.

(b) A credential issued under either of the following circumstances is void and shall be deemed to be void from the date it was issued:

(1) A credential which would not have been issued but for a material deception or fraud committed by an applicant or by another in the applicant’s behalf; or

(2) A credential which the commission had no lawful authority to issue and which would not have been issued but for some material mistake of law or fact by either or both the applicant and the commission.

(c) A notice that a credential is void pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) shall be served upon the credential holder at his or her last known address as provided in Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Within 30 days thereafter, such notice may be appealed to the commission only on the grounds that there was no fraud, material deception, or error and that the commission had the lawful authority to issue the credential on the facts stated in the application.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 488, Sec. 1.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 8. Certificates and Credentials


text:
Any person is guilty of a misdemeanor who, individually or in a representative or any other capacity, does any of the following:

(a) Alters with fraudulent intent, or uses or attempts to use any altered diploma, certificate, transcript, affidavit, or any other evidence to be used in obtaining a credential or certificate authorizing service in the public schools.

(b) Assumes any degree or title not conferred upon him or her in the manner and by the authority recognized in this chapter with intent to represent falsely that he or she has received that degree or title, or who willfully makes any false statement on any application for examination, license, credential, or certificate under this chapter.

(c) Sells, barters, or offers to sell or barter, or purchase or procure directly or indirectly with the intent that it be fraudulently used, any license, credential, or permit authorizing service in the public schools, or any diploma, certificate, affidavit, transcript, or any other evidence required for use in connection with any application for, or the granting of any license, credential, or certificate authorizing service in, the public schools.

(d) Performs or attempts to perform any teaching or other certified service in any public school under a false or assumed name, or under any name other than that inscribed by the commission on any license, credential, or certificate authorizing him or her to perform those services. This provision shall not apply to persons who, because of marriage or other good faith reasons, have given notice of a name change.

(e) Refuses or willfully fails to surrender upon demand of the commission, his or her license, credential, or certificate authorizing teaching or service in the public schools upon revocation, suspension, or voiding of those documents under this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 632, Sec. 1.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 9. Penalties for the Submission of Fraudulent Documents


text: Every person filing for record or attempting to file for record the license, credential, or certificate issued to another person, falsely claiming himself or herself to be the person named in or entitled to the license, credential, or certificate, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 9. Penalties for the Submission of Fraudulent Documents


text: Every fact necessary to establish the qualifications of an applicant for the issuance of any license, credential, or certificate authorizing the performance of services in the public schools shall be verified under penalty of perjury. An oath to this effect shall be displayed prominently on each application form, and shall be dated and subscribed by the applicant.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text: The Legislature finds and declares that the competence and performance of professional educators depends in part on the quality of their academic and professional preparation. The Legislature recognizes that standards of quality in collegiate preparation complement standards of candidate competence and performance, and that general standards and criteria regarding the overall quality of a candidate’s preparation are as essential as the assessment of the candidate’s competence and performance.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 426, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 10. Accreditation in Educator Preparation


text:
(a) The system for accreditation of educator preparation shall do all of the following:

(1) Concentrate on the overall quality of educator preparation in credential programs.

(2) Hold professional elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educators responsible for quality in the preparation of professional practitioners.

(3) Contribute to improvements in educator preparation and recognize excellence in preparation programs and institutions.

(4) Be governed by an accreditation framework that sets forth the policies of the commission regarding the accreditation of educator preparation.

(b) The accreditation framework shall do all of the following:

(1) Establish broad, flexible policies and standards for accreditation of educator preparation.

(2) Define the accreditation responsibilities, authority, and roles of the commission and the Committee on Accreditation.

(3) Establish an accreditation system that is efficient and cost effective.

(4) Require that accreditation decisions be based on sufficient, reliable evidence about the quality of educator preparation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 348, Sec. 7. (SB 941) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 10. Accreditation in Educator Preparation


text:
The powers and duties of the commission regarding the accreditation system shall include the following:

(a) Adopt and implement an accreditation framework, which sets forth the policies of the commission regarding the accreditation of educator preparation in California.

(b) Establish and modify credential-specific standards, experimental program standards, and alternative program standards, as defined in the adopted accreditation framework.

(c) Rule on the eligibility of an applicant for accreditation when the applying institution has not previously prepared educators for state certification in California, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44227.

(d) Appoint and reappoint the members of the Committee on Accreditation, in accordance with Section 44373, by selecting among nominees submitted by a panel of distinguished educators.

(e) Review periodic accreditation reports by the Committee on Accreditation, and refer accreditation issues and concerns to the committee for its examination and response.

(f) Hear and resolve appeals of accreditation decisions, pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 44374.

(g) Allocate resources annually for implementation of the accreditation system.

(h) With the Committee on Accreditation, jointly design an evaluation of accreditation policies and their implementation.

(i) Inform and advise the Legislature regarding statutory issues related to accreditation, and submit legislative recommendations, after considering the advice of the Committee on Accreditation, educational institutions, and professional organizations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 348, Sec. 8. (SB 941) Effective January 1, 2012.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) There is hereby established the Committee on Accreditation consisting of 12 members selected for their distinguished records of accomplishment in education. Six members shall be from postsecondary education institutions, and six shall be certificated professionals in public schools, school districts, or county offices of education in California. No member shall serve on the committee as a representative of any organization or institution. Membership shall be, to the maximum extent possible, balanced in terms of ethnicity, gender, and geographic regions. The committee shall include members from elementary and secondary schools, and members from public and private institutions of postsecondary education.

(b) The terms of committee members shall be in accordance with the accreditation framework. Appointment of the initial committee members shall be from nominees submitted by a panel of distinguished educators, who are named by a consensus of the commission and the accreditation advisory council, pursuant to Section 44371, as that section read on December 31, 1993. Appointment of subsequent committee members shall be from nominees submitted by a distinguished panel named by a consensus of the commission and the Committee on Accreditation. For each committee position to be filled by the commission, the panel shall submit two highly qualified nominees.

(c) The committee shall do, but shall not be limited to doing, all of the following:

(1) Make decisions about the accreditation of educator preparation. The committee’s decisionmaking process shall be in accordance with the accreditation framework.

(2) Make decisions about the initial accreditation of new programs of educator preparation in accordance with procedures established by the committee.

(3) Determine the comparability of standards submitted by applicants with those adopted by the commission, in accordance with the accreditation framework.

(4) Adopt guidelines for accreditation reviews, and monitor the performance of accreditation teams and other aspects of the accreditation system.

(5) Present an annual accreditation report to the commission and respond to accreditation issues and concerns referred to the committee by the commission.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 426, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1994.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) The accreditation framework shall include common standards that relate to aspects of program quality that are the same for all credential programs. The framework shall also include multiple options for program standards.

(b) The accreditation framework shall include provisions regarding well-trained accreditation teams whose members shall be drawn from a pool of California college and university faculty members and administrators, elementary and secondary school teachers and other certificated professionals, and local school board members. For each accreditation visit there shall be one team, whose size, composition, and expertise shall be constituted according to the accreditation framework.

(c) An accreditation team shall present its report and recommendations to the Committee on Accreditation in accordance with the accreditation framework. The committee shall consider the accreditation team report and recommendations, and shall also consider evidence, which may be submitted by the institution, that the team demonstrated bias or acted arbitrarily or capriciously or contrary to the policies of the accreditation framework or the procedural guidelines of the committee.

(d) The Committee on Accreditation shall make a single decision to accredit, to accredit with stipulations, or to deny accreditation to an institution’s credential programs, pursuant to Section 44373 and the accreditation framework.

(e) An institution has the right to appeal to the commission if the procedures or decisions of an accreditation team or the Committee on Accreditation are arbitrary, capricious, unfair, or contrary to the policies of the commission or the procedural guidelines of the committee. An institution also has the right to recommend changes in the accreditation policies of the commission, which shall be considered by the commission in consultation with the executive director and the Committee on Accreditation.

(f) At the request of an institution, the accreditation of an education unit or a specific program by a national accrediting body shall substitute for state accreditation provided that the national accrediting body has satisfied the applicable conditions set forth in the accreditation framework.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 426, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 1994.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) The commission may charge fees to cover the standard costs of reviewing new and existing educator preparation programs. Sponsors of educator preparation programs shall submit the established fee to the commission when submitting a proposal for a new program, and, as determined by the commission, for the review of an existing program. The commission shall not waive the fee for the review of existing programs for in-kind contributions from sponsors of educator preparation programs. The commission may review the established fees on a periodic basis and adjust the fees as necessary. The commission shall notify the chairpersons of the committees and subcommittees in each house of the Legislature that consider the State Budget and the Department of Finance at least 30 days before implementing the fees and at least 30 days before making any subsequent fee adjustments.

(b) The commission may charge commission-approved entities a fee to recover the costs of accreditation activities in excess of the regularly scheduled data reports, program assessments, and accreditation site visits. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, accreditation revisits, addressing stipulations, or program assessment reviews beyond those supported within the standard costs of review. Sponsors of educator preparation programs shall submit the established fee to the commission in the year that the extraordinary activities are performed. The commission may review the established fee on a periodic basis, and adjust the fee as necessary. The commission shall notify the chairpersons of the committees and subcommittees in each house of the Legislature that consider the State Budget and the Department of Finance at least 30 days before implementing the fee and at least 30 days before making any subsequent fee adjustments.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 32, Sec. 29. (SB 858) Effective June 20, 2014.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that the teaching profession must be able to recruit talented individuals, in addition to college students, from a variety of sources to address geographic and subject area shortages. Many persons changing careers and early retirees from industry and the military are interested in the challenge of teaching.

(b) The Legislature further finds that, in California, there is a serious shortage of qualified teachers in the subjects of mathematics and science, teachers who work with limited-English-proficient pupils, minority teachers, and special education teachers.

(c)Therefore, in enacting this article, the Legislature intends to encourage public school districts, county offices of education, and colleges and universities to design concentrated programs leading to a permanent credential for people with work experience and others who already have a bachelor’s degree.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 518, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2009.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 11. Alternative Certification


text: As used in this article, “alternative certification program” is a program operated by a school district, county office of education, college or university, or other public education entity, individually or in collaboration with other public education entities in the region to be served, and designed to provide a concentrated program leading to a permanent teaching credential.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1147, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification


text: Alternative certification programs shall address geographic and subject matter shortage areas, and shall be targeted toward people with work experience and others who already have a bachelor’s degree in the field in which they plan to teach.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification


text: School districts or county offices of education operating, or that propose to operate, an alternative certification program pursuant to this article, may apply to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for incentive grant funding that has been appropriated for the purposes of this article.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification


text: An alternative certification program that receives grant funding pursuant to this article shall be operated pursuant to either Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 44325) of this chapter or Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3, or both. The commission shall encourage, and may provide funding to, programs that include innovative training, assessment, or support models and strategies that have the potential of improving the quality of the teaching force. The commission shall encourage collaboration among school districts in funding alternative certification programs.

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification


text:
The commission, with the assistance of representatives of classroom teachers, school administrators, parents, university and college educators, and others, as appropriate, shall establish criteria for selecting grant applicants to be funded. The criteria shall include the following:

(a) The demonstrated need for more fully prepared credentialed teachers, as defined in Section 44225.7, within each school district included in the application.

(b) The number of participants to be served and the number of credentialed teachers, with at least a preliminary or level 1 credential, at each schoolsite where interns will be assigned, including teachers serving as certificated staff mentors pursuant to Section 44560.

(c) The capacity of the school districts included in the application to provide mentoring support and assistance to intern teachers.

(d) The quality of the instruction, support, and assessment that will be available to interns, as evidenced by the response of the applicant to the commission’s standards of quality and effectiveness for preparation programs.

(e) The cost-effectiveness of the program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 518, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2009.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification


text:
(a) From funds appropriated for the purposes of this article, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall award incentive grants to qualifying school districts or county offices of education. Each school district or county office of education that receives a grant shall provide matching funds from available sources in an amount equal to 50 percent of the cost of the alternative certification program. Grants shall be awarded by the commission for the remaining 50 percent of the cost of the alternative certification program, but in no event shall the grant amount awarded to a school district or county office of education exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per intern per year, except that the commission may require a lesser local contribution, or provide a larger grant per intern per year, in hardship cases.

(b) Participants in a district intern program conducted pursuant to Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 44325) or in an intern program conducted pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3, who have received a preliminary credential and who are receiving funding for participating in an induction program pursuant to Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 44279.1) are not eligible for funding under this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 730, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 2008.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification


text:
(a) From funds appropriated for purposes of this section, the commission may award increased funding, in addition to incentive grants awarded pursuant to Section 44386, to a school district or county office of education that agrees to enhance internship programs as provided in subdivision (b) and to address the distribution of teacher interns as required in subdivision (c).

(b) To qualify for increased intern program funding pursuant to this section, a school district or county office of education shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide teacher interns with the greater of (A) 120 hours of intensive preservice training focused on the teaching of English language learners, or (B) 40 hours of the preservice training in addition to all other required training, including, but not limited to, training required pursuant to Sections 44253.3, 44253.4, and 44253.10. The preservice training shall be completed before an intern teacher may provide instructional services.

(2) Provide all teacher interns with 40 hours of classroom observation, supervision, assistance, and assessment by one or more experienced teachers who possess valid certification to teach at the same grade level and the same subject matter and who are employed by the school district or county office of education, are assigned to assist the intern at the schoolsite, and, to the extent possible, are assigned to teach at the same schoolsite as the intern who is being assisted.

(3) Maintain a ratio of one experienced teacher to no more than five teacher interns at the same schoolsite.

(c) To continue to receive increased intern program funding pursuant to this section, commencing with the receipt of funding for a second year, a school district or county office of education shall show annually to the commission that no high-priority school, as described in Section 52055.605, will have a higher percentage of teacher interns than the districtwide average of teacher interns at a school in that year.

(d) Increased funding up to a total of three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500) per intern, per year, may be awarded by the commission to a school district or county office of education that meets the requirements of this section.

(e) Participants in an alternative certification program pursuant to this article, a district intern program conducted pursuant to Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 44325), or an intern program conducted pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3, who have received a preliminary credential and who are generating funding for participating in an induction program pursuant to Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 44279.1) are eligible to generate enhanced funding under this section.

(f) When reporting to the Legislature and the Governor pursuant to Section 44225.6, the commission shall include the number of school districts and county offices of education receiving increased funding, and the number of interns for whom increased funding is claimed, pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 345, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2008.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 11. Alternative Certification


text: This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 29, Sec. 13. (SB 828) Effective June 27, 2016.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 12. California School Paraprofessional Teacher Training Program


text:
For the purposes of this article, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Applicant” means a school district, charter school, or county office of education applying for program funds under the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program.

(b) “Institutions of higher education” means the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and private not-for-profit institutions of higher education that offer a commission-approved teacher preparation program.

(c) “Participant” means a classified school employee who elects to participate in the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program.

(d) “Program” means the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program.

(e) “Classified school employee” means a noncertificated school employee currently working in a public school.

(f) “Teacher training program” means an undergraduate or graduate program of instruction conducted by a teacher preparation program approved by the commission that includes a developmentally sequenced career ladder to provide instruction, coursework, and clearly defined tasks for each level of the ladder, and that is designed to qualify students enrolled in the program for a teaching credential authorizing instruction in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 29, Sec. 14. (SB 828) Effective June 27, 2016.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 12. California School Paraprofessional Teacher Training Program


text:
(a) The California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program is hereby established for the purpose of recruiting classified school employees to participate in a program designed to encourage them to enroll in teacher training programs and to provide instructional service as teachers in the public schools.

(b) Subject to an appropriation for these purposes in the annual Budget Act or another statute, the commission shall issue a request for proposals to all school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education in the state in order to solicit applications for funding. The criteria adopted by the commission for the selection of school districts, charter schools, or county offices of education to participate in the program shall include all of the following:

(1) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capacity and willingness to accommodate the participation of classified school employees in teacher training programs conducted at institutions of higher education or a local educational agency.

(2) The extent to which the applicant’s plan for the implementation of its recruitment program involves the active participation of one or more local campuses of the participating institutions of higher education in the development of coursework and teaching programs for participating classified school employees. Each selected applicant shall be required to enter into a written articulation agreement with the participating campuses of the institutions of higher education.

(3) The extent to which the applicant’s plan for recruitment attempts to meet the demand for bilingual cross-cultural teachers and teachers in shortage areas in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

(4) The extent to which a developmentally sequenced series of job descriptions leads from an entry-level classified school employee position to an entry-level teaching position in that school district, charter school, or county office of education.

(5) The extent to which the applicant’s plan for recruitment attempts to meet its own specific teacher needs.

(c) An applicant that is selected to participate pursuant to subdivision (b) shall provide information about the program to all eligible classified school employees in the school district, charter school, or county office of education and assistance to each classified school employee it recruits under the program regarding admission to a teacher training program.

(d) (1) An applicant shall require participants to satisfy both of the following requirements before participating in the program:

(A) Pass a criminal background check.

(B) Provide verification of one of the following:

(i) Has earned an associate or higher level degree.

(ii) Has successfully completed at least two years of study at a postsecondary educational institution.

(2) An applicant shall certify that it has received a commitment from each participant that he or she will accomplish all of the following:

(A) Graduate from an institution of higher education under the program with a bachelor’s degree.

(B) Complete all of the requirements for, and obtain, a multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential.

(C) Complete one school year of classroom instruction in the school district, charter school, or county office of education for each year that he or she receives assistance for books, fees, and tuition while attending an institution of higher education under the program.

(e) The commission shall contract with an independent evaluator with a proven record of experience in assessing teacher training programs to conduct an evaluation to determine the success of the program. The evaluation shall be completed on or before July 1, 2021. The commission shall submit the completed evaluation to the Governor and the education policy and fiscal committees of the Assembly and Senate.

(f) On or before January 1 of each year, the commission shall report to the Legislature regarding the status of the program, including, but not limited to, the number of classified school employees recruited, the academic progress of the classified school employees recruited, the number of classified school employees recruited who are subsequently employed as teachers in the public schools, the degree to which the applicant meets the teacher shortage needs of the school district, charter school, or county office of education, and the ethnic and racial composition of the participants in the program. The report shall be made in conformance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 319, Sec. 1. (AB 1624) Effective September 13, 2016.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) (1) The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program is hereby established to award grants to school districts for the purpose of providing awards to teachers who are employed by school districts or charter schools, are assigned to teach in California public schools, and have attained or will attain certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Awards shall be granted to the extent that funds have been appropriated for this purpose in the annual Budget Act.

(2) (A) Commencing July 1, 2021, any teacher who has attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is eligible to receive an award of up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) if the teacher agrees to teach at a high-priority school for at least five years. Teaching service before July 1, 2021, may not be counted towards satisfaction of this five-year commitment.

(B) Awards granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be disbursed in annual payments of five thousand dollars ($5,000) over a five-year period. The annual payment shall be made upon completion of the school year, and upon approval of a district-certified application pursuant to the guidelines of subdivision (c) of Section 44396.

(C) An award recipient’s service shall be at a high-priority school listed on the most recent list of priority schools published by the department that is available when the grant recipient applies for a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program grant award pursuant to this paragraph. Further service at that school shall continue to satisfy the service requirements of this paragraph even if the school is no longer listed on a future priority school list published by the department.

(3) (A) Commencing July 1, 2021, any teacher who initiates the process of pursuing a certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards when teaching at a high-priority school is eligible to receive an award of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).

(B) Awards granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be disbursed from the department to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Any unused funds shall be applied to future candidates.

(C) A teacher who receives an award pursuant to this paragraph may still apply to receive funds under paragraphs (2) and (4) after completion of a certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to the extent funds are available.

(4) (A) (i) Commencing July 1, 2023, any teacher who initiates the process of maintenance of certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards when teaching at a high-priority school is eligible to receive an award of four hundred ninety-five dollars ($495).

(ii) Awards granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be disbursed from the department to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Any unused funds shall be applied to future candidates.

(iii) A teacher who receives an award pursuant to this paragraph may still apply to receive funds under paragraph (2).

(iv) A teacher may apply for an award pursuant to this paragraph every time they begin the process of maintenance of certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Teachers who apply for an award pursuant to this paragraph shall be teaching at a priority school at the time of application.

(B) This paragraph may be implemented using funds appropriated pursuant to Section 137 of Chapter 44 of the Statutes of 2021.

(b) (1) The department shall administer the awards authorized by subdivision (a), and shall develop, in consultation with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, certification and award information, criteria, procedures, and applications, all of which shall be submitted to the state board for approval. Amendments requested by the state board to that information, criteria, procedures, and applications shall be made before the dissemination of the material and the granting of any award under this article.

(2) Commencing July 1, 2027, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall administer the awards authorized by this section and any reference to department shall instead refer to the commission.

(c) The department shall distribute the materials described in subdivision (b) to school districts. Each school district is strongly encouraged to ensure that teachers employed by the district or by charter schools affiliated with the district are informed about the program and can acquire the necessary application and information materials.

(d) School districts are encouraged to provide for adequate release time and support for a teacher to complete the certification process. As a condition to providing that release time and support, a school district may require that a teacher serve in a mentor teacher capacity.

(e) For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

(1) “School district” means school district, county board of education, county superintendent of schools, a state operated program, including a special school, a regional occupational center or program operated by a joint powers authority or a county office of education, or an education program providing instruction in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is offered by a state agency, including the Department of Youth and Community Restoration and the State Department of Developmental Services.

(2) “High-priority school” means a school with 55 percent or more of its pupils being unduplicated pupils, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 42238.02. This designation shall be determined by the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 65, Sec. 65. (AB 126) Effective July 9, 2026.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 13. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program


text: For the purposes of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 44395, “assigned to teach” as used in subdivision (a) of that section may include, but is not limited to, a teacher leadership role as a peer assistance and review coach, mentor, or other teacher support provider if the position does not require an administrative credential. In order to be eligible for an award pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 44395, a teacher shall be assigned to teach for at least 50 percent of a full-time position.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 734, Sec. 25. Effective October 11, 2001.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 13. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program


text:
(a) (1) To the extent that funds are available for that purpose, a teacher who meets the criteria approved by the state board pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44395 is eligible and may apply for an award by following the procedures and instructions developed pursuant to that subdivision.

(2) A teacher who attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards before January 1, 2021, and who was employed by a school district or charter school and assigned to teach in a California public school on the date of certification may apply for an award authorized pursuant to this article if the teacher meets all the other requirements for that award specified by this article. For awards pursuant to this subdivision, teaching service before July 1, 2021, may not be counted toward satisfaction of the teacher’s five-year agreement to teach in a high-priority school.

(b) Teachers shall submit their applications for an award authorized by this article to the school district employing them. Teachers employed by a charter school shall submit their application through the school district granting the school’s charter.

(c) The department shall approve applications submitted by school districts that meet the criteria established pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44395. To the extent funds are available, the department shall apportion funds to the appropriate school districts in the amount of the award authorized by Section 44395 for each approved application. The school district shall use funds apportioned to it pursuant to this subdivision to provide the amount of the award authorized by subdivision (a) of Section 44395 to each teacher whose application is approved.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 44, Sec. 43. (AB 130) Effective July 9, 2021.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law except Sections 44332.6, 44340, 44346.1, and 44830.1, a person who is licensed to teach or provide services in the public schools of a state other than California and who is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards shall be issued a clear teaching or services credential authorizing teaching or service in the area, as determined by the commission, in which the person has received national certification.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede the requirements of Section 44253.3.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 316, Sec. 7. (AB 239) Effective January 1, 2010.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text: Notwithstanding any provision of law, except Sections 44332.6, 44340, 44346.1, and 44830.1, the commission shall issue a clear credential to the holder of a preliminary teaching or services credential who attains certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The clear credential issued pursuant to this section shall authorize the holder to teach or provide services in the area that the commission determines is equivalent to the certificate field in which the teacher or services provider received certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 316, Sec. 8. (AB 239) Effective January 1, 2010.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) The commission shall issue an authorization for an additional subject or for a new teaching credential type to the holder of a valid California multiple subject or single subject teaching credential, or eligible applicant, who has earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the additional single subject content area or the new multiple subject or single subject teaching credential type.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), when there is no direct equivalence between the national certification and the California subject or credential type, the commission shall determine the subject or credential type or may require the applicant to qualify for a commission-approved determination of subject matter competence before issuance of the credential or authorization request. An applicant for a multiple subject teaching credential may also be required to qualify for a commission-approved determination of subject matter competence in order to comply with state subject matter requirements.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 44, Sec. 44. (AB 130) Effective July 9, 2021.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

(a) “High-need field” means a field designated as having the most significant shortages by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and may include any of the following:

(1) Credentials issued in conjunction with a bilingual or computer science authorization.

(2) Mathematics, science, or technology credentials.

(3) Special education credentials.

(b) “Local educational agency” means a school district, charter school, or county office of education.

(c) “Priority school” means a school with 55 percent or more of its pupils being unduplicated pupils, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 42238.02.

(d) “Program” means the Student Teacher Stipend Program established pursuant to Section 44400.01.

(e) “Prospective educator” means a candidate enrolled in a program of professional preparation for a preliminary multiple subject, single subject, education specialist, or PK-3 early childhood education specialist instruction credential accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

(f) “Student teaching” shall align to clinical practice guidance by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and refers to time spent in the classroom with a cooperating or mentor teacher, and includes, but is not limited to, coplanning, coteaching, guided teaching, and solo teaching. For the purposes of this program, service on an intern credential does not qualify as student teaching.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 65, Sec. 66. (AB 126) Effective July 9, 2026.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 13.5. Educator Recruitment and Retention Initiative


text:
(a) The Student Teacher Stipend Program is hereby established to support prospective educators during their completion of 500 or more hours of student teaching as part of their credential program’s clinical practice and to provide additional support, through enhanced stipend awards authorized pursuant to this article, to prospective educators who commit to serve in a high-need field.

(b) (1) To improve both teacher retention and recruitment in California’s public school system, it is the intent of the Legislature to create a grant program to compensate student teachers, support credential attainment via clinically rich credential pathways, and support the prospective educator’s successful transition into local educational agency employment.

(2) It is further the intent of the Legislature to authorize the Student Teacher Stipend Program as an ongoing, annual program to support the recruitment and retention of prospective educators.

(3) It is further the intent of the Legislature to increase stipend amounts available, pursuant to this article, for prospective educators who commit to teaching in a priority school or high need field, in future years, subject to an appropriation for this purpose.

(c) Funding shall be provided under this article to the extent that funds have been appropriated for this purpose in the annual Budget Act or another statute.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 65, Sec. 67. (AB 126) Effective July 9, 2026.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

article: 13.5. Educator Recruitment and Retention Initiative


text:
(a) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall award funding appropriated for this purpose to local educational agencies that host student teachers or teacher residents or that employ teacher apprentices.

(b) (1) Local educational agencies awarded funding pursuant to this article shall provide stipends to prospective educators during their completion of 500 or more hours of student teaching. Stipends for each prospective educator shall be ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and paid during the school year in which the credential applicants are completing their student teaching.

(2) Local educational agencies employing credentialed educator apprentices may use stipend awards to offset the wages paid to those apprentices during the initial phase of the apprenticeship when the apprentice is not yet the educator of record.

(3) Local educational agencies hosting teacher residents may use student teacher stipends in cases where residents are not supported by residency stipends pursuant to Section 44415.5.

(4) Commencing July 1, 2027, local educational agencies awarded funding pursuant to this article shall, consistent with subdivision (d), provide an additional stipend of five thousand dollars ($5,000) to prospective educators pursuing a credential and student teaching in a high-need field.

(c) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall establish a streamlined online process for local educational agencies to submit the prospective educator’s information, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) The prospective educator’s preparation program.

(2) The number of student teaching hours they will complete.

(3) The local educational agency or agencies where they are completing their student teaching.

(4) The schoolsite or schoolsites where they are completing their student teaching.

(5) Their desired credential.

(6) Evidence of their valid certificate or permit issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing that required professional fitness review.

(7) Their demographic information.

(d) (1) Commencing July 1, 2026, to the extent that funds are available for this purpose, up to one hundred twenty-five million dollars ($125,000,000) shall be available annually for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to award stipends pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).

(2) Commencing July 1, 2027, to the extent that funds are available for this purpose, up to twenty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($27,500,000) shall be available annually for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to award additional stipends pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b).

(3) To the extent that demand for stipends provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) exceeds the amount appropriated by the Legislature, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall prioritize applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. To the extent that the annual demand for stipends provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is less than the annual amount appropriated by the Legislature, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall allocate any excess to stipends described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b).

(4) To the extent that demand for stipends provided pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) exceeds the amount appropriated by the Legislature, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall prioritize applications pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) based on the local educational agency’s unduplicated pupil count.

(e) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall, on or before January 1, 2027, and each year thereafter, report to the Department of Finance and the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, regarding the state of the grant program, including, but not limited to, the number of prospective educators paid; their education preparation programs; their desired credential; the participating local educational agencies; the demographics of the participants in the program; the percentage of prospective educators who committed to a high-need field; and, to the extent applicable, all required data disaggregated by participants receiving an additional stipend pursuant to subdivision (d). The report submitted to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature shall be submitted consistent with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 65, Sec. 68. (AB 126) Effective July 9, 2026.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) For 2025–26 fiscal year, the sum of three hundred million dollars ($300,000,000) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to support the base stipends provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 44400.02 of the Student Teacher Stipend Program established in this article. These funds shall be available for encumbrance until June 30, 2030.

(b) For the 2026–27 fiscal year, the sum of four hundred eight million dollars ($408,000,000) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to support the base stipends provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 44400.02 and the high-need field stipends provided pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 44400.02. These funds shall be available for encumbrance until June 30, 2032.

(c) For the 2025–26 fiscal year, of the amount appropriated in subdivision (a), up to six million dollars ($6,000,000) shall be available for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools to do the following:

(1) (A) Conduct a multimedia campaign beginning no later than April 1, 2026, and ending no sooner than July 1, 2028, to encourage students enrolled in California-based institutions of higher education and individuals employed in related fields to pursue a career in public school employment, become a credentialed teacher, and enroll in a program of professional preparation accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

(B) In conducting the multimedia campaign, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools shall consult with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Student Aid Commission, the department, and other educator credentialing interestholders to create and disseminate outreach to local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and educator pipeline organizations, including classified employees, expanded learning employees, career technical education programs, and labor organizations. These multimedia outreach methods and materials shall include state and federal student aid and education loan repayment options for aspiring or current educators and other investments that benefit teachers, including, but not limited to, the Student Teacher Stipend Program, including any additional stipend components authorized pursuant to this article, the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program.

(2) (A) Develop a grants management system that could be utilized by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to streamline the application and administration process for all teacher recruitment and retention programs that the Commission on Teacher Credentialing administers.

(B) The grant management system shall be available for public use no later than April 1, 2026, for applications for the administration of the Student Teacher Stipend Program for the 2026–27 school year.

(C) The grant management system shall be made available for public use no later than December 31, 2026, for purposes of accepting applications for any additional stipend component authorized pursuant to this article for the 2026–27 school year.

(D) The grant management system shall include program administration for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program beginning no later than April 1, 2027.

(E) Notwithstanding any other law, any work executed pursuant to this paragraph shall be exempt from any provision of law relating to competitive bidding, and shall be exempt from the review or approval of any division of the Department of Technology.

(3) Contract for a comprehensive independent evaluation of the state’s investments in educator recruitment and retention pursuant to this article and Section 44395, and report the evaluation to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2029, consistent with Section 9795 of the Government Code. This evaluation shall include the programs’ effectiveness in impacting prospective educator decisions to enroll in a student teaching program, increasing the number of individuals completing their student teaching program, increasing the number of individuals completing their student teaching programs in high-need credential areas, increasing the retention rates of educators after the first two years of employment, and the demographics of the participants in the programs.

(d) For purposes of making the computations required by Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution, the appropriation made pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be deemed to be “General Fund revenues appropriated for school districts,” as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 41202, for the 2024–25 fiscal year, and included within the “total allocations to school districts and community college districts from General Fund proceeds of taxes appropriated pursuant to Article XIIIB,” as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 41202, for the 2024–25 fiscal year.

(e) For purposes of making the computations required by Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution, the appropriation made pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be deemed to be “General Fund revenues appropriated for school districts,” as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 41202, for the 2025–26 fiscal year, and included within the “total allocations to school districts and community college districts from General Fund proceeds of taxes appropriated pursuant to Article XIIIB,” as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 41202, for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 65, Sec. 69. (AB 126) Effective July 9, 2026.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION


text:
(a) A school district, county office of education, or charter school that provides intensive examination preparation courses for the purpose of preparing multiple or single subject credential holders or education specialist credential holders to demonstrate subject matter knowledge by a subject matter examination approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall do both of the following:

(1) Ensure that the program meets the domains for subject matter understanding and skill adopted by the commission in the content area.

(2) Provide general information to teacher participants on the requirements for adding a new credential type that may include, but need not be limited to, credential information available on the Internet Web site of the commission.

(b) A school district, county office of education, or charter school may contract with other entities, including the California subject matter projects administered by the University of California, for services to provide intensive examination preparation courses to assist teacher participants to prepare for taking commission-approved subject matter examinations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 202, Sec. 3. (SB 751) Effective January 1, 2010.)

title: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

path: 2. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION > 3. LOCAL ADMINISTRATION > 25. EMPLOYEES > 2. Teacher Credentialing > 14. Preparation Courses for Subject Matter Knowledge