The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing continued to discuss a third-tier teaching credential in December, despite opposition by ACSA and other education associations.

In October 2008, at the request of the CTC, staff brought forward the concept of the third-tier credential, aimed at recognizing and rewarding teachers who demonstrate expertise in their chosen fields, promoting the retention of teachers and honoring master teachers. At that time, ACSA, the California Teachers Association and California Federation of Teachers all opposed the concept of a new level of credential.

At the December meeting, the staff reported on a growing national trend to define "teacher leadership" and to develop standards that would define the preparation that a teacher would need to function as a teacher leader.

Teacher leadership is, by definition, different than the term "master teacher," said ACSA CTC Liaison Sharon Robison. The teacher leader would support the collaboration of teams of teachers, facilitate the improvement of the instructional process, use research to promote student performance and provide professional learning opportunities for colleagues.

Educational Testing Service is working with the Kansas State Department of Education and is now sponsoring a collaborative dialogue with many national organizations on the subject, including the CTC.

Robison said Kansas seems to be the leader in developing this concept and has adopted standards for teacher leaders. There are at least 11 other states working on the concept of teacher leadership.

Again, ACSA, CTA and CFT stated they are not interested in developing a third-tier credential. ACSA stated it supports the concept of teacher leadership in education, and, in fact, there are many examples of this currently in place.

Sometime in the future, ETS will have an online survey to respond to the model standards it is developing.

Robison encourages review of this agenda item in its entirety, as the concept of formalized teacher leadership seems to be gaining momentum. You can directly access the item at www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/agendas/2009-12/2009-12-3E.pdf.

The CTC will begin its study of the Administrative Services Credential, which will include discussions of teacher leadership and how it might impact changes in the role of California administrators.