You need verification from GDOE that you were in the classroom as a classroom teacher for at least 25 years. And like you are renewing, you will need a satisfactory evaluation; a current certificate in the relevant subject area or grade level; appropriate professional development based on your current certificate (15 clock hours - basic preschool, 6 credits - basic CHamoru, 90 hours - professional, and 120 - master); an application; and a one-time payment of $50 ($25 application fee and $25 initial license).
No, BUT you do need to check in with the GCEC every five years. Your certificate will have a five-year check-in date, where you will report to the GCEC to declare your intent to continue teaching and disclose any background check issues that may disqualify you from holding a valid license, and you will submit a satisfactory evaluation.
You will pay $50 one time. This is $25 for the application fee and $25 for the initial five years. You will not be charged for the reissuance after check-in.
No, the lifetime certificate is for 25 or more years of classroom teaching. This will be verified by GDOE who will provide a VOE of your employment history.
No, your school administrator will monitor your attendance at professional development days; the GCEC will not receive a list of your hours.
This is to make sure that educators continue to follow the Professional Code of Conduct. We will ask the educator to declare their intent to continue teaching and disclose any background check issues that may disqualify them from holding a valid license. We will then re-issue the lifetime certificate with another five years noted on the certificate itself.
There is a provision in the law valid from 12/20/2025 to 6/20/2026, a person who retired in good standing within the last ten (10) years and whose certification has since lapsed may be eligible to apply for lifetime certification.
It depends. If you intend to teach and be involved in a school, by all means, get a lifetime certificate. That way, you’ll be active and up to date, and you’ll be able to earn a satisfactory evaluation in order to submit at check-in. If you do not intend to teach but want to maintain a valid license, it is recommended that you renew your certificate with professional development hours or college/university credit.