1. (1) Overview. An individual who holds valid NBPTS certification may seek a Professional Educator Certificate.
2. (2) Limitations on Issuance. This approach is only available if the applicant’s NBPTS certification is in an area, at a grade level, and at a degree level in which Alabama offers comparable certification. Additional information about a Professional Educator Certificate for teaching fields is in Rule 290-3-2-.03. Additional information about a Professional Educator Certificate for areas of instructional support is in Rule 290-3-2-.03.
3. (3) Application. The applicant is required to submit to the Educator Certification Section the current application for this approach and documentation of having met all requirements as prescribed in Rule 290-3-2-.27 and on the application.

4. (4) Requirements. All requirements must be successfully completed prior to the date the application is received in the Educator Certification Section.

   1. (a) Successful completion of the Alabama Special Requirements in Rule 290-3-2-.02(4).
   2. (b) Verification on official transcript(s) of all degrees earned.
   3. (c) For teaching fields, verification on an official transcript(s) of an earned bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited senior institution.
   4. (d) For areas of instructional support, verification on an official transcript(s) of an earned master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited senior institution.
   5. (e) Verification of the applicant’s valid NBPTS certification.
   6. (f) For areas of instructional support, verification on Supplement EXP that the applicant has met the professional education work experience required for issuance of the Professional Educator Certificate. Additional information is in Rule 290-3-2-.03.

5. (5) Degree Level. The Professional Educator Certificate issued through this approach shall be issued at the Class B, A, or AA level based upon:

   1. (a) The level of the applicant’s highest earned degree from a regionally accredited senior institution in the area of the certificate to be issued; or
   2. (b) The level of the applicant’s highest earned degree from a regionally accredited senior institution in an education field.
6. (6) Valid Period. The valid period of the certificate shall be from the date of issuance through the remainder of the same scholastic year, and thereafter, for the next five consecutive scholastic years.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, Ala. Const. Amend. 284, §§16-3-11, 16-23-1, 16-23-2.

Editor’s Note: Rule was previously .15 and renumber to .27 as per certification file December 10, 2010.

History: New Rule: Filed August 4, 2008; effective September 8, 2008. Repealed and New Rule: Filed December 10, 2010; effective January 14, 2011. Repealed and New Rule: Filed March 10, 2016; effective April 24, 2016. Amended: Published August 31, 2020; effective October 15, 2020.