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COVID-19 Certification Updates
by Maineea
Dan Allen, MEA Director of Training and Professional Development COVID-19 Certification Update
Important new modifications to the requirements for teacher certification during the COVID-19 emergency have been announced by the Maine Department of Education. Govenor Janet Mills signed an executive order May 12th that further modifies or suspends certification requirements for teachers, pre-service teachers, support professionals, and other credentialed school staff. The MEA has been advocating for relaxed rules around initial and renewal certification in response to COVID-19 and we welcome these changes.
Certification renewal
Professionals seeking a renewal whose certification expires between Feb. 1 and July 1 of this year have an additional year to complete any requirements that have been disrupted because of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Professional certificates up for renewal will be automatically renewed for one year if the person holding the certification does not submit a renewal application. Those who have completed the requirements for certification should submit their application and it will be processed normally. Note that the new expiration date for those who renew in 2021 instead of this year will be four years from the date of certification.
Initial Certification
Praxis Test
Enforcement of the Praxis test requirement for preservice teachers and others entering the profession has been suspended by the governor’s executive order until 30 days following the end of the state of emergency. MDOE will issue a professional certificate to those who have not been able to access the test but have completed all other requirements.
Fingerprinting
The state’s capacity to collect and process fingerprints to satisfy the requirement that educators have a criminal history records check (CHRC) has been dramatically impacted by COVID-19. For applications submitted during the of state of emergency, enforcement of the fingerprinting requirement has been suspended until 30 days following the end of the state of emergency and the department will issue a temporary CHRC.
Incomplete Coursework
Most teacher preparation programs made modifications that allowed their pre-service teachers to complete their student teaching requirements. Those certification applicants who have not completed all coursework can receive a conditional certification.
Applicants seeking waivers of the Praxis test, fingerprinting requirements, or a conditional certification due to incomplete preservice requirements should contact the Certification Department at the DOE: cert.doe@maine.gov.
Conditional Certification
If you hold a conditional certificate that because of incomplete coursework is due to expire on July 1, 2020, that certificate is extended to July 1, 2021. Applicants seeking an extension of their conditional certificate should contact the Certification Department at the DOE: cert.doe@maine.gov.
Where can I find more information?
The Maine Department of Education has created a table and decisionmaking diagrams to assist you in proceeding with your certification and/or CHRC actions.
Do Not Unnecessarily Delay Your Application for Certification
The certification office will continue to process applications throughout the state of emergency. If you have completed the necessary requirements for certification, you should submit your application to the DOE.
