The seeking of truth and gathering of facts are not always easy. Many times the different versions of an event make it difficult for even the most open-minded to determine the difference between fact and fiction. In most instances, it comes down to one’s ability to gather and look at all types of information and draw his/her conclusions. That is where, in the information age, it gets tricky and where the truth about things remain hidden or are difficult to determine.
Take the recent matter involving questions regarding the certification of employees. In order to understand the matter fully, one would have to understand the employment and certification process. The process, which is based on the requirements under 18A:26-2a in which fall under three categories: Instructional, Educational Services, and Administrative. In addition, there are 4 types of certificates: Certificate of Eligibility (CE); Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS); Provisional Certificate; and Standard Certificate. All allow an employee to seek and accept employment.
At the local level, such as in Plainfield, the process is as such:
· A person applies for a position within the District. Certification requirements, consistent with State Provisions and Board Policy, usually read that the candidate must “possess or be eligible for” a particular certificate.
· A person accepts a position providing that the District reviews his/her qualifications and determines that he/she either “possesses or is eligible for” the position that they applied
· A list of “Monthly New Hire Report” for certificated staff is submitted to the County Superintendent’s Office for review of certification, qualifications, etc.
· The applicant’s identity is verified based on I-9 regulations.
· The applicant pays for and submits to fingerprinting and a background check conducted not by the local district, but an outside state approved agency
· A district can request an “Emergent Hire Form” if necessary which enables an employee to be quickly employed for up to 90 days
· The applicant’s application for certification is in the hands of the NJDOE for review. Required information or additional documentation is requested through their office.
· The applicant would then receive his/her first of three certificates, the Certificate of Eligibility. This is a legal certificate from the State of New Jersey. The timeframe for which this may be issued by the State may vary and range from within a month, to in some extreme instances, over a year. The Certificate of Eligibility is valid for life.
· The applicant would then receive a second certificate which is the Provisional Certificate. This certificate may require additional experiences ranging from residency to mentoring, and usually gives the applicants up to two years to satisfy any additional requirements.
· The final certificate the applicant, who I forgot is now an employee and may have been one for nearly two years, is the Standard Certificate. This is the final certificate and is also valid for life.
There are also ways in which a person can apply for a New Jersey certificate through reciprocity. Reciprocity is for out-of-state candidates and is permissible under N.J.A.C. 6A:9-8.8. There are 7 different options under the reciprocity option and process ranging from issuing a certificate to a teacher that had only one year of teaching experience and an initial certificate from another state, to a teacher that holds National Board Certification and a certificate from another state.
The Plainfield Public Schools has and implements policies and procedures that are in agreement with laws and codes regarding certification. If, however, there is a delay, perceived delay, or significant delay while the process is in the “hands” of the State, the issuance of a certificate can also be delayed. That does not mean that the applicant or the district has not complied or satisfied the process, it could mean a number of things from a missing or lost document or complete file, to a signature, to a test score. Each applicant’s situation can vary.
Details of this process, as well as a review of Law, Code, and Board Policy were provided to the Public on January 5, 2010. Board President Lenny Cathcart, Policy Chair Christian Estevez, and HR Chair Martin P. Cox coordinated this meeting along with Dr. Steve Gallon III, Superintendent of Schools, to review current policy and procedures, and accurately inform the Public. There are ongoing efforts to review and improve in this, as in many areas.
The status of the applicant’s certification application can be accessed only by the applicant or authorized district personnel. In sum, the certification of staff involves a sometimes long and complex process that involves the district, County, and the State. The Plainfield Public Schools remains committed to effectively implementing the steps required by Law and Code, and ensuring that all required staff are appropriately certified and highly qualified to meet the needs of the District and students.
This information was intended to help separate facts from fiction. Hope that it was helpful. To read and learn more about laws and codes on this topic log on to: http://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap9.pdf or http://www.state.nj.us/education/educators/license/overview/.
