After lengthy discussions, the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board wants to change its licensing rules in the following ways:

1. Make technical amendments so that the rules contain updated date references and needed definitions

The technical amendments update expiration dates of license extensions granted by the Board.  In addition, a definition of "State-approved teacher education program" is included for clarification.

2. Establish three tiers of licenses

The amendments seek to create three tiers of licenses similar to those used in other states:  1) non-renewable provisional license; 2) standard renewable license (what is currently called an "initial license"); and 3) renewable advanced license.
Read more about the new license tiers

3. Provide two additional ways by which an applicant may be granted a standard renewable license

The rules allow two additional ways for issuing a standard renewable license: 1) applicant holding a license due to his/her Meritorious New Teacher Candidate designation may be issued a license; and 2) applicant with a valid unrevoked out-of-state license who passed all licensing tests for that state license may be waived from taking the comparable Hawaii tests provided tests were taken in basic skills, pedagogy and content knowledge.  For the category of test not taken, i.e. basic skills, pedagogy, and content knowledge, the applicant must take the required Hawaii test and achieve the Hawaii passing score.
Read about the standard renewable license for out-of-state teachers

4. Describe the procedure for issuing a renewable advanced license

The rules allow teachers with five or more years of teaching experience under a Hawaii teaching license combined with National Board Certification or an advanced degree in their licensing field to be issued a renewable advanced license.
Read more about the advanced licenses

5. Establish a Code of Ethics

A Code of Ethics is in Appendix D of the rules.  The Board can set forth a process for hearing cases related to professional fitness.
Read the Code of Ethics

6. Provide for a limited duty special permit in career and technical education

The amendments set forth the criteria and process by which individuals with industry and trade experiences may be issued a limited duty special permit.
Read about the qualifications to receive a limited duty special permit