Credential Permits and Waivers FAQ
The following FAQ addresses some common questions from the field regarding available credential waivers and permits authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and California Department of Education (CDE) for use in situations where an LEA experiences an unexpected teacher vacancy. The information contained in this FAQ is an overview of current CTC guidance, permit leaflets, and available resources. For more information on any of the referenced permits or waivers, visit the following websites:
Many waivers, permits, and routes referred to in this FAQ require various processing times with the agency of authority of issuance. If you have acute staffing needs necessitating immediate placement in the classroom, you should contact your county office of education about a Temporary County Certificate (TCC). This is an expedited temporary provisional certificate that allows for various types of placements while the proper waivers or permits are being sought. Counties operate their TCC programs differently, so please reach out to your county directly. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/certification-glossary/Temporary-County-Certificate-(TCC)
Q1. I am having a difficult time finding an appropriately credentialed Single Subject, Multiple Subject, Education Specialist, or intern to fill an urgent teacher vacancy. What are my options?
A1. Short-Term Waivers authorize local employing agencies one semester or less to address unanticipated, immediate, short-term organizational needs by assigning teachers that consent to teach outside of their credential authorization. This waiver is only available to credentialed teachers, such as a general education teacher who will be serving as an Education Specialist.
Q2. I have an open teaching position and, despite continued efforts, cannot find any credentialed candidates or interns to fill the position. I have an interested staff member or applicant with no credential who has a bachelor’s degree that is interested in the position. How can I hire this applicant for the job?
A2.The Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP) allows an employing agency to fill an acute staffing need (see leaflet Terms and Definitions) when local recruitment efforts have been made but a fully credentialed teacher cannot be found.
The STSP is only available at the request of an employing agency. Individuals may not apply directly to the Commission for this document. Holders of the STSP are restricted to service with the employing agency requesting the permit. The STSP is available in the areas of Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist. An individual with a bachelor’s degree who meets certain course and experience requirements can be hired as a teacher in one of the above specializations under an STSP. These permits must be approved by CTC, do not require SELPA involvement, are good for one year, and are not renewable.
Q3. I am unable to find an Education Specialist with the appropriate specialization to fill a specific special education teacher position. For example, I need a Moderate/Severe teacher. can I hire a new Mild/Moderate teacher or assign one of my current Mild/Moderate teachers to this Moderate/Severe caseload?
A3. The Special Education Limited Assignment Teaching Permit (SELAP) authorizes the holder to teach in the area of specialization listed on the permit and is available for many common settings (see leaflet). Individuals must be currently employed by the agency requesting such assignment, hold a valid CA special education credential, and meet certain coursework or experience criteria. The experience criteria requirement is waived for Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe credentialed teachers when applying for a SELAP for the reverse role, as there is significant overlap in these specializations. This permit is valid for one year but may not exceed the expiration date of the prerequisite credential. It must be approved by CTC but does not require SELPA involvement. A SELAP issued for less than one calendar year may be extended for the remainder of the calendar year. This permit may be reissued twice in any one specific specialty area.
Q4. Are there additional SELPA resources on addressing current staffing shortages and unexpected vacancies?
A4. The SELPA’s Addressing the Special Education Teacher Shortage support document includes tips and strategies for creating a special education teacher pipeline at your LEA. In addition, the SELPA’s Staffing Shortages and Credentialing Resources padlet includes a host of resources on permits, waivers, hiring, CTC updates, conference presentations and more.