PUBLIC LAW
I Liheslaturan Guahan finds that the goal of Educator Certification is to determine whether those individuals responsible for the education of children are competent to perform their duties as teachers, guidance counselors or school administrators.
I Liheslaturan Guahan further finds that throughout the United States, the certification or licensure of educators is a function that occurs at the state level and not in the local school districts that employ the educators. The common practice is for states to define the Educator Certification or Licensure standards by means of a Board or Commission to include local and federal education mandates. Such Boards or Commissions also will setup an office(s) in the state to certify and license education professionals who qualify. These Boards or Commissions are also responsible for determining improper conduct by the certificate holder or licensee is sufficient to warrant revocation or suspension of such license or certificate.
It is the intent of I Liheslaturan Guahan to provide a mechanism to confer professional certification for Early Childhood to Twelffh (12th) grade educators via an external entity that is separate and apart from the entities that employ such educators.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a system of professional development, professional standards, certification and evaluation that serves to continually improve the quality of instruction for Guam's children so that they are equipped to work and succeed in an ever-changing and increasingly complex global economy. The Guam Commission for Educator Certification is established to provide a rigorous system of certification, professional development and evaluation designed to support improved student achievement and to improve the quality of the Guam educator workforce and to improve student performance. All Guam Public School System educators must be certified and evaluated in accordance with this Chapter. The Board shall regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification, continuing education, and standards of conduct of public school educators.
In proposing rules under this Subchapter, the Commission shall ensure that all candidates for certification or renewal of certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of Guam's diverse student population.