ARE YOU PREPARED TO RENEW YOUR
5 YEAR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR’S CERTIFICATE?

Question / Answer
  1. How do I renew my professional certificate?
/ This is a Four (4) Step Process:
1. Create a VERSA Educator Account and onboard. (Note: Select District Affiliation: 53-Polk)
  1. Review the Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Complete the FLDOE Renewal Application.
  2. Apply for your new certificate with the FLDOE.
  3. Complete the Polk County School Certification Renewal Process Form.

  1. Do I have the proper amount of in-service points?
/
  • If you have four or less academic areas on your certificate, then you will need a minimum of 120 in-service points to include 20 in-service points (one semester hour) in teaching students with disabilities (SWD) per Senate Bill 1108 (SB 1108).
  • Endorsements are not an academic area and do not require any in-service points towards renewal.

  1. What are the methods of renewal I can use to renew my certificate?
/ Method of renewal:
o In-service Points – A minimum of 120 in-service points is required for renewal for those who have four or less academic areas on their professional certificate. Endorsements are not academic areas and do not require in-service points. Attach a copy of your in-service record to your renewal application from the NetConnect.
o College Credit – One 3 semester hour course is equivalent to 60 in-service points. Attach one official transcript to the completed renewal application. Photocopies are not official transcripts. A grade of at least ‘C’ must be earned in each college course used for renewal. A grade of ‘pass’ or ‘satisfactory’ is an acceptable grade. Course(s) used for certificate renewal must be completed at an accredited college or university.
o Subject Area Exam – A passing score on subject area exam for the subject shown on the certificate is equivalent to 60 in-service points. Passing scores are automatically submitted to the DOE.
o National Board Certification – A valid NBPTS Certificate will renew the corresponding coverage on the Professional Certificate and is equivalent to 120 in-service points. Attach a copy of your valid NBPTS Certificate to the application.
o College Teaching Experience – A course taught at the college level at an accredited institution is the same as a course taken for renewal. Request that the registrar at your college/university submit a letter listing the prefix, number and name for each course, the number of semester hours earned by students in each course, and the dates the courses were taught. Teaching multiple sections of the same course
  1. How do I retrieve my in-service record with Polk County?
/ Access NetConnect at this link to check your in-service record:
  1. How do I know if I met the SWD requirement per SB 1108?
/ Once you access your in-service record, any course that can be applied towards meeting the SWD requirement will have a notation of 1108 at the end of the title.
  1. Are excess in-service points/college courses earned in SWD credit bankable?
/ Yes, excess SWD credit earned during a professional certificate validity period that includes the 2014-2015 or later school year is eligible to be banked for future certificate renewals.
  1. Are American Sign Language courses acceptable to meet the SWD requirement?
/ Unfortunately, American Sign Language courses are not acceptable, unless the courses are in teaching American Sign Language to the Hearing Impaired.
  1. Are Gifted Education courses acceptable to meet the SWD requirement?
/ Unfortunately, Gifted Education courses are not acceptable—per the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).
  1. What if I completed an ESE college course during the validity period of my certificate to be renewed, but it’s not on the District’s approved list?
/
  • Send an email to with the following information: Course prefix & number, name of course, name of college, course description, and number of semester hours.
  • The FDLRS Office will evaluate and let you know the outcome. Note: You must submit an official transcript reflecting the approved course(s) with the process form (unless we already have one on file).

  1. If my name changed during my renewal period what do I need to do to make sure it gets changed on my certificate?
/
  • While renewing your certificate, if your name is different on the application than what is showing at the FLDOE and your new name has been changed in SAP to reflect your name then it will automatically be changed. It can also be changed if you are adding a new coverage to your certificate.
  • If you have a name change while not renewing or adding a new coverage and wish to update your certificate. You have to apply directly to the FLDOE and a fee is required.

  1. How can I transfer in-service points from another Florida School District?
/
  • If you are transferring to Polk County from another Florida school district, request an In-service Teacher Education Transfer Record (Form OTE 206) from your former District.
  • This form must be submitted electronically to:

  1. What FDLRS courses are available through our district to meet the SWD requirement?
/
  • Visit the FDLRS Website.


  1. Why are my FDLRS courses not
reflected on my Netconnect transcript? /
  • Be sure you have created an account with Go Sign Me Up: FDLRSSunrise.GoSignMeUp.com
  • If your FDLRS SWD points are not being reflected on your NetConnect transcripts please contact Matthew Cobble for assistance.

  1. What options are available for me to meet the SWD requirement?
/ The following options are available to meet the SWD requirement:
a) The FDLRS State Module of Teaching Students with Disabilities and PDA Effective Teaching Practices for Students with Disabilities: Focusing on the Content Areas are free online independent study modules that can be completed in a matter of days, but must be completed within 12 weeks. Visit:
b) An ESE subject area exam (i.e., Exceptional Student Education K-12, Hearing Impaired K-12, Visually Impaired K-12 or Speech-Language Impaired K-12) passed during the validity period that corresponds with the ESE coverage on the certificate satisfies 60 inservice points and the credit for teaching SWD
c) A valid NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Certificate satisfies the teaching SWD requirement when the Florida Professional Certificate includes an ESE coverage.
d) College courses completed during the validity period of your professional certificate may also be used to meet this requirement.
Important Reminders:
  • In order to maintain your status as a full salaried teacher, you must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate.
  • Keep a copy of all documents submitted to the Certification Office. Note the date of your submission, and create a file that contains a record of the email notifications that you receive from the Certification Office.
  • Do not wait. All of the requirements for renewing your certificate must be complete and received in the Certification Office for processing no later than June 30, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact your assigned Certification Specialist to further assist you with your inquiry.

Site Level / Certification Specialist Contact / General Inquiry Mailbox
Elementary Schools / /
K-8 Academies, Secondary, District, &
Charter Schools / /