Reinstating an Expired Certificate/License

State certificates/licenses are typically issued at two levels. "Initial" licenses for new teachers are usually issued only once and are valid for about three years. Before an initial certificate/license expires, teachers must apply for a "standard" or "professional" certificate/license. These licenses for veteran teachers are valid for five years and must be renewed before the certificate/license expires.

If you do not apply for renewal within the proper time period, you must apply to have your license or certificate reinstated. To reinstate an expired license, you must typically complete a given number of college-credit courses and pass the state's subject area examinations for each subject area listed on the license. (In many states, you can apply for a "temporary" or "emergency" certificate/license and continue to teach while you complete reinstatement requirements; however, you will not meet No Child Left Behind "highly qualified" requirements if you hold a temporary or emergency certificate/license.)

Links to SREB State and Related Resources

State Resource AL Alabama State Department of Education AR TeachArkansas DE Delaware Department of Education FL Florida Department of Education GA Georgia Professional Standards Commission KY Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board LA TeachLouisiana MD Maryland State Department of Education MS Mississippi Department of Education NC North Carolina Department of Public Instruction OK Oklahoma Department of Education SC South Carolina Department of Education - Division of Teacher Quality TN Tennessee Department of Education TX Texas State Board for Educator Certification VA Virginia Department of Education WV West Virginia Department of Education