Educator Effectiveness

A Statement on Recertification and the Law

David P. Driscoll
Massachusetts Education Commissioner

"The law is clear -- public school educators in Massachusetts must renew their teaching certificates every five years to remain employed to teach in the public schools. As a condition for recertification, educators are required to participate in relevant and rigorous professional development activities in their fields of expertise.

It is a very reasonable expectation that teachers fulfill their legal and professional obligations to renew their teaching certificates. Teachers who disregard this obligation are breaking the law. Their position is a poor reflection on thousands of their colleagues who take their responsibilities seriously, and their actions send the wrong message to students."