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News and Updates

Certification News and Updates

ESBOCES Processing Fee

There is a $35 processing fee charged by ESBOCES for classroom teaching and pupil personnel service applications. One fee is charged per applicant for any applications submitted within a six-month period. A money order or certified bank check payable to Eastern Suffolk BOCES must be submitted to our office. There is no processing fee for coaching and teaching assistant applications.

Computer Science Statement of Continued Eligibility Deadline Extended

At its October 2022 meeting, the NYS Board of Regents extended the deadline for the Computer Science SOCE from September 1, 2023, to September 1, 2024. To be eligible for the SOCE, teachers must hold a valid Permanent or Professional teaching certificate and have taught at least one acceptable computer science course between September 1, 2017, and September 1, 2024. Teachers of computer science will need to hold either the Computer Science SOCE or Computer Science certificate as of September 1, 2024. Computer Science SOCE

Students With Disabilities All Grades Certificate Created

At its September 2022 meeting, the NYS Board of Regents created the Students With Disabilities All Grades certificate. This will replace the Students With Disabilities (Grades 1-6) and Students With Disabilities Grades 7-12 Generalist certificates, which will be phased out for new applicants. The Students With Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) certificate will continue to be available.  SWD certificates that have been issued will continue to remain valid. Students With Disabilities All Grades Certificate

Literacy All Grades Certificate Created

At its September 2022 meeting, the NYS Board of Regents created the Literacy All Grades certificate. This will replace the Literacy (Birth-Grade 6) and Literacy (Grades 5-12) certificates, which will be phased out for new applicants. Literacy B-6 and 5-12 certificates that have been issued will continue to remain valid. The application is expected to be available sometime in early 2023. Literacy All Grades Certificate

Additional Science Discipline Certificate Requirements Updated

At its June 2022 meeting, the NYS Board of Regents amended the requirements for teachers holding a science certificate (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and/or Physics) to obtain an additional certificate in another science. The new Additional Science Discipline Certificate pathway requires 18 credits in the new science content area and a passing score on the content specialty test. Additional Science Discipline Certificate Requirements

Special Education Teachers Who Teach a Self-Contained Special Class in Grades 7-12

 Effective July 1, 2021, special education teachers who teach a subject area in a self-contained special class in grades 7-12 with some or no students under alternate assessment must either

  • be certified in each subject area that they teach, OR
  • have an active SOCE application in TEACH and meet the teaching experience requirement in each subject area that they teach.

Options for special education teachers to obtain subject area certification:

New Registration and CTLE Requirements

As of July 1, 2016, holders of Permanent or Professional teaching or administrative certificates or Level III teaching assistant certificates will be required to register on TEACH during the 2016/2017 school year during his/her month of birth. Holders of Permanent or Professional teaching or administrative certificates or Level III teaching assistant certificates issued after July 1, 2016, will be automatically registered as active upon issuance of the certificate. Registration shall be renewed every five years. Holders of Professional teaching or administrative certificates or Level III teaching assistant certificates with active registration will be required to complete 100 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) during the registration period. New Registration and CTLE Requirements