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Teacher Certification

Teacher Education and Certification Office works with school districts and universities to grant educator certifications, approve teacher preparation programs, and administer teacher recognition programs. It is committed to support the State Board of Education and Early Development's strategic priority to ensure high-quality educators for Alaska's children. TEACH AK is a NEW online system and requires a one-time registration process that all educators will need to complete prior to renewal and new applications.  

Certificate Types

Certification Information and Requirements

The Educator Application & Certification Hub Alaska (TEACH-AK) is an online certification system. Certificate holders can view, download, and print active certificates through the application dashboard. Certificate renewals, extensions, and new applications will take place within TEACH-AK.

General Information & Requirements

Teacher Certification Webinar Schedule

The District Communication Hub - Nov. 6th at 2:00pm OR Nov. 7th at 10:00am

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Audience: Districts and Educational Agencies

Description: Join me to explore the District Communication Hub, launched alongside TEACH-AK: The Educator Application & Certification Hub for Alaska. This new online system is designed to streamline the certification and renewal process for educators by providing real-time information to districts. Come learn how to navigate the Hub and support your educators.

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The Teacher Application & Certification Hub Alaska (TEACH-AK) - Nov. 6th at 4:00pm

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Audience: Educators

Description: Join me to explore this new online system designed to simplify the certification and renewal process for educators. This presentation will guide you through the key features of the TEACH-AK dashboard, where you can view, download, and print your active certificates. You'll gain a clear understanding of the renewal process, how to add endorsements, how to monitor the status of your current certificate, and more! By the end of this session, you’ll have the knowledge, and tools needed to confidently navigate TEACH-AK and efficiently manage your certification needs.

Fall 2024 Temporary Teacher Certification Provisions:

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Certificate Effective Dates:

  • First time applications submitted ON/BEFORE August 1st –
    If the application is complete, the effective date will be the submission date. If an application is not complete, Teacher Certification will reach out to the applicant via email. Once resolved by the applicant, DEED will back date the effective date of the certificate to August 1st.
  • Renewal/Extension applications submitted ON/BEFORE August 1st –
    Teacher Certification will adjust the effective date as needed by the certificate to ensure there is no lapse in certification.
  • First time applications/renewals/extensions submitted AFTER August 1st –
    Effective dates will not be back dated. The effective date of the certificate will be the date that a complete application was submitted.

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60-day extension under AS 14.20.010:

AS 14.20.010 states that an educator may not teach more than three months without a certification. It also allows for a 60-day extension of that timeline upon written approval of DEED. At this time, DEED is providing for an extension of 60 days for any educator who submitted their application to Teacher Certification prior to August 1st. Per this extension, teachers will be able to continue employment as a teacher for 150 days while their certification is processed.

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Processing Status

Due to increased volume, application processing time is delayed.

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Below are the approximate processing times from the date a completed application has been submitted.

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Online Renewals: 10 - 12 weeks

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First Time Applicants: 12 - 14 weeks

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We are processing First Reviews of applications submitted on: 8/15/2024

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We are currently processing Second Reviews of applications submitted on: 4/29/2024

Application Review Process

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How do I check the status of my application?

Thank you for your patience.

Updates

With the transition to our new online application system, as of 10/1/24, we are no longer accepting supporting documents via email, as this may delay the processing of your certification. Please upload all documentation directly to your application in TEACH-AK. 

Please be advised that the Teacher Certification Office will only be taking calls between 10:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:00pm Alaska time to expedite the processing of applications. If your inquiry is urgent, please leave a voicemail with your name, phone number, email address, and a detailed question.

Fall 2024 Temporary Teacher Certification Provisions are listed above.

Contact Us

Questions:
Phone: 907-465-2831
Email: tcwebmail@alaska.gov 
IT Support: eed.tech@alaska.gov
Voicemail messages will be returned withing 48 hours

Walk-in Support:
333 Willoughby Ave, 9th Floor
Juneau, AK 99801

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Mailing Address for fingerprint cards: 
Alaska Dept. of Education & Early Development

PO Box 110500

Juneau, AK 99811-0500 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Responsibilities of Educators Holding Alaskan Certificates

  • Adhere to the Alaska Code of Ethics of the Education Profession.
  • Notify the Department of Education & Early Development of name and/or any address changes (4 AAC 12.415).
  • Know your certificate's effective and expiration dates. Your effective date is the date the complete application packet is received by Teacher Education and Certification. The Department of Education & Early Development does not notify individuals of impending expiration dates. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
  • Meet renewal requirements before your renewal date.
  • Keep abreast of any changes in certification regulations.
  • Notify a school district within 90 days of hire, of any sick leave that you expect to transfer from previous employment. (AS 14.14.107) Sick leave can only be transferred if the teacher's service has been continuous within the Alaska public school system. Continuous service is defined as up to the last day of a school term and beginning within 30 days of the start of the next school term. ( 4 AAC 15.040(a)(2) & 4 AAC 15.900(2))

Online Services

Certificate Lookup

Check the certification status of a teacher employed in an Alaska school district.

Certificate Lookup

District Communication Hub

This portal contains detailed information on certificates and application statuses for educators, accessible only through registration and approval.

Register here

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Apply for a New Certificate

Apply for a New Certificate
Extend your Certificate
Renew your Certificate

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