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Report on TSPC Meeting
Possible Renewal Changes
On July 7, 2010, OSTA met with the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission at the Oregon Teacher's Association Building in Tigard. The commission met to discuss many things, but of particular concern to substitute teachers is the proposed change in renewal requirements for credentials. Basically the commission discussed wanting to require all teachers to do a certain number of hours of training (CPD's) to improve their skills for renewal. The number of hours is up for discussion. They also have done away with using experience (recency) to fulfill those requirements.
The OSTA representatives presented some information for what our members desired. First we said that we wanted no changes in the requirements for subs to renew, but to reinstate 180 days working (recency) with no CPD's as the requirement for employed substitutes . Secondly, we asked if that was unacceptable that 10 CPD's per year plus experience (recency) be a way to renew. Third, we expressed the concern, how would we submit Continuing Professional Development (CPD's) Plans since we are not under contract at any district.
OSTA members told of the hardship it is to pay for classes with our low pay. Even to get training at their districts meant we would have to give up a day's pay during the week and we are the ones who replace teachers that are out taking those training classes. Another concern addressed was how to get classes, especially in remote areas.
Some of the commission members appeared sympathetic to our words. Others seemed not to care. "You are professionals, if you want to work you have to play the game", was one comment. The director of TSPC wanted the license requirements to be uniform without any exceptions. It seems that the commission is committed to requiring some level of CPDs to renew.
Much discussion was done about these issues and others. The conclusion was to create a subcommittee to try to resolve these issues. The new director of licensure was assigned to make up the committee and to report back at a later time, probably the August meeting.
Tom Heiser,
OSTA Board Member