STATE CREDENTIAL REQUIRED     (if any) LEVEL OF EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS TRAINING RENEWAL ESL Credential ESL Requirements Notes    
Alabama Secondary teaching certificate in a teaching field 1)  Master's degree
(for Class A certificate)
2)  Bachelor's degree
(for Class B certificate)
Alabama currently does not require adult education or ESOL instructors to have any mandatory coursework in ABE/GED/ASE nor ESOL.

It is highly recommended that teachers with an endorsement (12-15 hrs. of college coursework) in adult education be considered in the employment criteria.

If a written exam is used for hiring an ABE/ASE/ESL instructor, it is at the discretion of the employing agency.
Completion of fifth-year master's degree program Lifetime certificate; no renewal requirements ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE. (No adult ESL credential required.) English language fluency required, determined through interviews and local monitoring.   
Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education
401 Adams Ave.
Montgomery, AL  36104
contact: Dr. Robert Romine, Director of Adult Education Program
ph: (343) 242-2926
fax: (334) 242-0214
email: romine@acs.cc.al.us
 
 
               
                 
                 
Alaska No credential required by the State of Alaska for ABE, GED, or ESL teachers teaching in Regional ABE Programs. No state requirement       ELLs are taught by ABE instructors.  
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 115509
Juneau, AK 99811-5509
contact: Amy Iutzi, State Director, ABE and GED
ph: (907) 465-8714
fax: (907) 465-4186
email: amy.iutzi@alaska.gov
Web: www.labor.state.ak.us  
                 
                 
Arizona Certification (Provisional and Standard Levels): an Adult Education Certificate may be used to teach in the areas of adult basic education, general educational development, English as a second language, or citizenship. Bachelor's degree or 3 years' experience as adult education teacher, tutor, or teacher's aide For Provisional ABE Certification: Bachelor's degree requirement, fingerprint clearance, and/or 3 years of experience (may waive up to 2 years' experience by postsecondary academic credit, with 30 semester hours equal to 1 year of experience). Standard ABE Certification: must complete requirements for Provisional Certificate plus 1 year verified part-time or full-time teaching under a Provisional Certificate and 10 clock hours of professional development. Provisional: Nonrenewable
10 clock hours verified by Adult Education program administrator (include coursework, in-service training, professional conferences and workshops, internships, research, leadership in a professional organization ,and alignment with National Staff Development Council (NSDC) standards

Standard: Renewable
Valid 6 years. 60 clock hours.
verified by Adult Education program administrator (may include coursework, in-service training, professional conferences and workshops, internships, research, leadership in a professional organization, and align with NSDC standards.
Provisional: Nonrenewable
Valid 3 years

Standard: Renewable
Valid 6 years
60 clock hours of professional development
An ESL Certificate is not required; on the Adult Education Certificate teachers can be "ESOL/ELLA certified."

An ESL endorsement for K-12 is available. Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement (45 hrs.) is required for K-12.

A master's degree for ESOL students is available in Pro Literacy training and is suggested in order to get the standard certificate.
A master's degree is required for staff teaching credit classes at community colleges. Anticipating  required ESL coursework for AE/ESL certification as well as coursework for other areas in adult education
Arizona Department of Education Teacher Certification
1535 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ  85007
Contact: Miriam Kroeger, Education Program Specialist
ph: (602) 364-2703  
fax: (907) 465-4186  
email: miriam.kroeger@azed.gov  
Web: www.ade.az.gov/adult-ed  
   
               
                 
                 
Arkansas Arkansas teaching license required. Full-time adult education teachers are required to get an adult education endorsement in addition within 4 years of beginning to teach full-time. Bachelor's degree Full-time teachers: 60 hours of professional development each year. Part-time teachers: 30 hours of professional development each year. Adult Education requires the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching (standardized test required as part of licensure) at the 7-12 level. Adult education endorsement and license are required for teachers within 4 years of hire. 12 to 15 graduate hours of college courses are required (more may be required depending on individual university requirements). Must renew every 5 years. ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE. An Arkansas teaching license is required.

ESL endorsement.

Teachers who need the ESL endorsement require:
12 hrs. graduate-level coursework and the Praxis II – Principles of Learning and Teaching (standardized test required as part of licensure) at the P-4, 5-9, or 7-12 level. 
ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE.

Bachelor's degree
Teachers holding a K-12 credential have to get an adult ed endorsement within 4 years.
Arkansas Department of Education
Professional Licensure
#4 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
Contact: Mr. Tosen: ph: (501) 682-4342; or George French: (501) 682-1970 email: george.french@arkansas.gov / philip.less@arkansas.gov
Web: www.arkansed.org  
http://dwe.arkansas.gov  
   
                 
                 
California Credential (preliminary, clear, or  professional full-time)
Bachelor's degree
(Preliminary credential requires a bachelor's degree.)

Master's degree
(Professional requires a subject matter credential.)

Preliminary:  Requirements for the Full-time Adult Credential
For the 5-year preliminary credential: Verify 5 years of experience and/or education related to each subject to be named on the credential.
One of the following requirements must be satisfied:
possess a high school diploma
possess a diploma based on passage of the GED test
possess the foreign equivalent of a high school diploma
Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
Preliminary: 2 semester units. Professional: Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements: Preliminary:
Valid 1-2 years

Professional:
Valid 2-5 years
Adult Education Credential as well as a subject area focus/emphasis

TESOL Certificate Available.

Career Technical ESL is also available.
A bachelor's or higher degree completed at a regionally accredited college or university and completion of 20 semester units or 10 upper division semester units in one or any combination of the following:
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
English
Language other than English
Linguistics
Bilingual/bicultural studies
Teaching reading
Speech
A Teaching Credential is also needed.
California does not have an adult ESL credential, but rather an adult education credential with an academic subject focus (e.g., ESL).
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Box 944570 (1900 Capitol Avenue)
Sacramento, CA  94270 Posses a valid preliminary full-time adult education teaching credential. Obtain verification from the Education Service District (ESD)  of the successful teaching of a minimum of one course for adults in each of four terms within the 5-year period of validity of the Preliminary Adult Education Teaching Credential (two of these terms must be with one ESD). The teaching must be in the subject(s) authorized by the preliminary adult education teaching credential. Obtain verification from a local education agency (LEA) that the applicant has completed all Level I and Level II requirements of a Commission-accredited program of personalized preparation, including the use of computers in an instructional setting. Complete a unit requirement in health education, including, but not limited to, nutrition; the physiological and sociological effects of alcohol, narcotic, and drug abuse; and the use of tobacco. This requirement must also include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation that covers infant, child, and adult CPR skills.
contact: Cliff Moss and/or Gloria Guzman
 
ph: (916) 327-6378 or (888) 921-2682
   
fax: (916) 657-3000          
email: Gguzman@cde.ca.gov          
Web: www.ctc.ca.gov          
(916) 322-5050 ROTC and Workforce Development          
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
                 
                 
Colorado Literacy Instruction Authorization Associate's degree Literacy Instruction Authorization (LIA) is a credential that authorizes instructors to teach in Colorado's Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA)-funded adult education programs.  It provides a system to ensure a well-qualified workforce and is a gateway into the profession of adult education. One of the requirements for this credential is the successful completion of four required courses. A fifth and optional course on family literacy is available for Even Start instructors. For those who enter the field with previous experience and training, there is a portfolio option that awards course equivalency for qualifying previous college-level courses and/or for sufficient experience and training to be able to demonstrate competency in the knowledge areas that correspond to the objectives of the required courses. Colorado's training for both ABE and ESL teachers is a series of courses leading to the LIA. The series comprises five courses, four of which are required, and one optional family literacy course for Even Start instructors. The state's Adult Education and Family Literacy office also provides professional development for all ABE and ESL practitioners in AEFLA and Even Start funded programs through an integrated Professional Development system. This system includes a PD Self-Assesment for Adult Education Teachers, a Resource Bank of materials related to the Skill and Knowledge descriptors from the self-assessment, four regional PD resource centers, and the PD Point System, which is correlated to renewal of the LIA. The LIA must be renewed every 5 years; renewal is contingent upon continuing education and professional development credits. LIA

One of the four required courses is Teaching ESL to Adult Learners. Another course, Adult Basic Education and Adult Secondary Education, is required even for those who teach (or plan to teach) ESL.  
Colorado Dept. of Education
Adult Education and Family Literacy
201 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO  80203
contact:  Debra Fawcett
ph: (303) 866-6914
fax: (303) 866-6947
email:  fawcett_d@cde.state.co.us
Contact person for the process of Literacy Instruction Authorization: Pamela M. Smith, State Director of Adult Education and Family Literacy
Web: www.cde.state.co.us/cdeadult/LIAIndex.htm (CDE link)
             
                 
                 
Connecticut Certificate
(Initial, Provisional, and Professional levels)
Bachelor's degree Initial:  Holds or is eligible endorsement
for secondary academic

Provisional: Successful completion of assessment training, or 3 years of ABE teaching
Professional: 3 years of ABE teaching
Initial:  Completed course of study in special education


Professional: 30 semester hours beyond bachelor's degree

Provisional: Provisional level for 8 years; if not. the certificate lapses.


Professional: Receive a master's; renewal every 5 years.
ESL Certification required Bachelor's degree (same as ABE)







Professional: 30 semester hours beyond bachelor's degree

 
Connecticut Department of Education  
165 Capitol Avenue
 
Hartford, CT 06106  
contact: Maureen Wagner  
ph: (860) 807-2102  
fax: (860) 807-2062  
email: maureen.wagner@ct.gov  
Web: www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/Cert/facts/fact101_01.pdf  
   
   
   
                 
                 
Delaware Certificate
1)  Adult Administrator
General Adult Education
2)  Adult Education
Secondary
Bachelor's degree in adult, elementary, or secondary education
Adult education administrator must hold a masters degree and complete a minimum of 3 years' experience in an adult education setting  and be employed in  adult education as administrator, coordinator, or teacher.

18 semester hours or its equivalent within a master's degree
6 semester hours of college-level work or completion of six approved courses/clusters in adult education, or 3 approved adult education credits and 2 years of documented satisfactory internship/employment as a teacher, counselor, or administrator in adult education

  ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE. ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE.

Bachelor's degree
 
Department of Public Instruction
P.O. Box 1402, J.G. Townsend Building
Dover DE 19903
Maureen Wheelan
email: ftracy-mumf@state.de.us
Web: www.doe.state.de.us/
 
 
 
                 
                 
District of Columbia Certificate
1)  Adult Education Academic Subjects
2)  Adult Basic Education
Bachelor's degree 1)  Must hold a preK-12 certificate
2)  Successful completion of appropriate tests
Adult Education
Academic Subjects:
1)  18 designated semester hours
2)  30 semester hours (10 clases approx) in a subject area
3)  Student teaching or 1 year of satisfactory experience of teaching adults

To renew license, must have 6 hours of professional development License in ESL K-12 with an Endorsement in adult ESL ESL teachers have to hold a valid teaching certificate in English as a Second Language.

Adult ESL teachers need professional development in ESL and pedagogical material.
 
University of the District of Columbia  
4200 Connecticut Ave. NW 20008  
ph: (202) 274-6649  
fax: (202) 274-6649  
GED Number: 202-274-7174  
Credentialing office  
ph: (202) 442-5377  
fax: (202) 274-7173  
GED Testing Center:  
Web: www.dcged.org  
                 
                 
Florida Certification in any field--no specific credentials are currently required for either ABE or adult ESOL Bachelor's degree or higher No state additional requirements No training requirements   ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE/ ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE (all adult programs require a bachelor's degree).  
Florida Department of Education    
Turlington Building    
325 West Gaines Street    
Tallahassee, FL  32399-0400    
contact: Marsha Maxwell,    
ph: (850) 245-0995    
fax: (850) 487-1735    
Marsha's email: marcia.maxwell@fldoe.org and also email: cordiln@mail.doe.state.fl.us
Web: www.firn.edu/doe
   
                 
                 
Georgia No credential is required. Bachelor's degree
BA/BS (preferably in education, but not mandatory) No training requirements   ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE. ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE.
Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Ed.   (preferably in education,  
Office of Adult Literacy   but not mandatory)  
1800 Century Place, NE, Suite 400      
Atlanta, GA  30345-4304      
contact: Carla R. De Bose, Director of Instructional Services      
ph: (404) 679-1635      
fax: (404) 679-1635      
email:  cdebose@dtae.org      
Web: www.dtae.org      
               
                 
Hawai'i   Up to individual program site (graduated pay scale depending upon level of education and degree held; BA may be preferred, but sometimes waived depending on experience) Up to individual program site Up to individual program site   Same as ABE    
Community Education and Accreditation            
           
Hawai'i Department of Education            
475 22nd Avenue, Room 124            
Honolulu, HI 96816            
contact: Annette Young-Ogata, Educational Specialist            
ph: (808) 735-8371            
fax: (808) 735-8375            
email: Annette_Young-Ogata@notes.k12.hi.us            
Web: www.k12.hi.us/~personnl/license.html            
                 
                 
Idaho No credential is required (A basic core of training recommended to new teachers and refresher courses for experienced teachers) Bachelor's degree No additional requirement     Same as ABE (No credential is required; however, most adult ESL teachers have an optional master's in TESOL.) ESL teachers must have a bachelor's degree.

ESL training is required.
Idaho is moving toward a layered tier of certification that will include a certificate of completion of core ABE training that translates into college credits toward the earning of ABE certification, as well as a BA or MA inaAdult education, depending on how far a person wants to go.
The Division of Professional and Technical Education    
 650 West State Street       
Room 324    
Boise, ID 83720-0095       
contact:  Cheryl Engel, State Coordinator         
ph: (208) 332-6931       
fax: (202) 332-4664      
email:  csengel@sde.idaho.gov      
Web: www.sde.idaho.gov      
                 
                 
Illinois No credential required Bachelor's degree Local programs may add more stringent requirements. 6 hours professional development per fiscal year; a new teacher orientation completed within 6 months of hire.   Same as ABE   Illinois is implementing a new information management system this fiscal year. This will allow documentation of teacher professional development hours and educational background.
Illinois Community College Board        
401 East Capitol Avenue      
Springfield, IL 62701-1711      
contact: David Baker, Assistant Director for Adult Education, Staff Development, Training, and Marketing      
     
     
       
ph: (217) 558-2162        
fax: (217) 558-6700        
email: david.a.baker@illinois.gov        
Web: www.iccb.state.il.us/        
                 
                 
Indiana A valid Indiana teacher's license in elementary or secondary is required. Bachelor's degree No state additional requirements An extension PD system is available for all Indiana adult education teachers. A New Teacher Training System (NTTS) has been designed to inform, prepare, and support new adult educators. Features of the NTTS include an introduction to Indiana’s adult education system; welcome packet and handbook; online pre-service; workshops on ABE and ESL principles and practice; mentoring by an experienced adult educator; assistance with assessment; and ongoing professional development information.

  ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE. A voluntary ESL workforce training (non-credit) certificate is available through Ball State University in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Adult Education. Same as ABE (A bachelor's degree is required.)

Current ESL teachers get training/continual professional development, but it is not mandatory.

Workshops for new ESL teachers are offered.
 
Indiana Department of Education
Rm #229 State House
Indianapolis IN 46204
 
Gerry Hafner, Assistant Director  
   
ph: (317) 232-0522 (for Gerry & Linda)  
fax: 317-233-0859  
email: haffner@doe.state.in.us  
Web: http://ideanet.doe.state.in.us  
               
               
               
               
Iowa No credential required No state requirement       Same as ABE  
Iowa Department of Education ABE and ESL are taught at the 15 community colleges. Each community college has its own set of requirements.            
Grimes State Office Building            
400 East 14th street            
Des Moines, IA 50319            
contact: Helene Grossman, Equity/ESL/Family Literacy Consultant            
           
           
ph: (515) 281-3640              
fax: (515) 281-4122              
email: helene.grossman@iowa.gov              
Web: www.state.iowa.gov/educate              
                 
Kansas Kansas Adult Education (KAEA) Credential Associate's degree or less, bachelor's degree, and master's degree or above--credentials have levels. Must be currently working in the field of adult education. 50 hours of PD every 2 years.  Professional development should be aligned with program improvement plan. 
Local programs must have approved program improvement objectives negotiated each year (each program has specific requirements).
KAEA renewed every 2 years (Cannot renew without 50 hours of PD.) Same as ABE (ESL teachers have to have the Kansas Adult Education Credential.)

Through the Department of Education, teachers can get an ESL endorsement to their elementary or secondary education credential. 

ESL teachers have ESL endorsement.
Associate's degree or less, bachelor's degree, or master's degree and above--credentials have levels. Adult ESL teachers are encouraged to have ESL Endorsement from Kansas Department of Education.  
Kansas Board of Regents Office    
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 520    
Topeka, KS  66612-1368    
contact:  Diane Glass    
ph: (785) 296-7159    
email:  dglass@ksbor.org    
     
     
     
     
                 
                 
Kentucky There is no adult education credential required (2002 started discussing a credential). Bachelor's degree No additional requirements     No ESL credential required Bachelor's degree  
Kentucky Adult Education      
Council on Postsecondary Education      
1024 Capital Center Dr. Suite 250      
Frankfort, KY  40601      
contact:  Dr. Joyce Bullock      
ph: (502) 573-5114 ext. 118      
email:  joyce.bullock@ky.gov      
       
                 
Louisiana There is no adult education credential required, although a K-12 credential is available. (This may be required at the local level. Adult Education certification is highly recommended by the state but not required. Incentives are provided at state and local levels for having adult ed. certified teachers on staff.) Bachelor's degree preferred. (A bachelor's degree may be required at the local level. Requirements for paraprofessionals are also determined at the local level.) No additional requirements State plan mandates 15 hours
annually of professional development for full-time teachers and 10 hours of professional development for part-time teachers.
  An Optional ESL Certificate to the K-12 credential is available but not required by the state. Bachelor's degree preferred. (A bachelor's degree may be required at the local level. Requirements for paraprofessionals are also determined at the local level.)  
Louisiana Department of Education    
Division of Adult Education and Training    
P.O. Box 94064    
Baton Rouge, LA  70804    
contact: Adrienne Fontenot and Elizabeth Moore    
ph: (225) 342-0444    
fax: (225) 219-4439    
email: elizabeth.moore@la.gov    
adrienne.fontenot@la.gov    
     
                 
                 
Maine No credential is required for ABE teachers. Bachelor's degree No additional requirements are required by the state.     Same as ABE (no credential is required). Requirements are the same as ABE (bachelor's degree requirement).  
Maine Department of Education      
23 State House Station      
Augusta, ME  04333      
contact:  Becky Dyer      
ph:  (207) 624-6755      
email:  becky.dyer@state.me.us      
       
                 
                 
Maryland No credential required Bachelor's degree; master's preferred Training and experience in adult education; knowledge of and cultural sensitivity toward target population. Individual Professional Development plan required annually; participation in state and local trainings; pre-service, assessment, GED foundation training for new teachers. Assessment training update required every 2 years. Same as ABE. ESL teachers are required to have knowledge of and to implement the Maryland Content Standards for Adult ESL/ESOL.  
Maryland State Department of Education  
 
200 West Baltimore Street  
Baltimore, MD 21201  
contact: Patricia Bennett, State director, MSDE, EL/Civics  
 
ph: (410) 767-0168  
fax: (410) 333-2099  
email: pbennett@msde.state.md.us  
                 
                 
Massachusetts License (voluntary) Bachelor's degree or All applicants:   Valid 5 years; provisional is non-renewable; professional is renewable every 5 years. Requirements are under development. Same as ABE. Same as ABE. Smart System currently in place to track student information as well as teacher licensure information. In the future, this system will be used to look at the effect of professional development in relation to student outcomes.
Massachusetts Department of Education   master's degree (any subject) 1) Minimum education requirement     (ESL included in the ABE Subject Matter Test)
      2) Communication & Literacy Skills Test    
350 Main Street          
Malden, MA 02148-5023     3) ABE Subject Matter Test      
contact: Mary Jayne Fay, ABE Licensure Specialist     Applicants for professional licensure, depending route to licensure:      
ph: (781) 338-6048            
fax: (781) 338-6759            
email: licenseABE@doe.mass.edu                
Web: www.doe.mass.edu/educators/e_liscense.html and www.doe.mass.edu/acls/certification.html     Demonstrates proficiency in Professional Standards          
               
      Field experience          
                 
      Prepracticum and practicum          
                 
                 
Michigan Michigan teaching certificate Bachelor's degree or Michigan Test for Teacher Certification. Additional requirements are determined by local districts. Most require an elementary education degree, but some require a secondary education degree. 5 days of professional development Provisional cert. valid 6 years; Same as ABE. Additional requirements are determined locally. Some areas may also require an ESL endorsement.    
Office of Adult Education, Labor, and Economic Growth   master's degree annually - offered - free to maintain Professional cert. valid 5 years    
           
P.O. Box 30714            
Lansing, MI 48909            
contact: Linda Colagross, Education Consultant Manager            
           
ph: (517) 373-6911            
fax: (517) 335-3630            
email: colagrossli@michigan.gov web:            
Web: www.michigan.gov/adulteducation            
             
             
Minnesota License Bachelor's degree 1)  Successful demonstration of identified standards
2)  Successful completion of an ABE teacher preparation program
    ESL teachers are credentialed in the same way as ABE. Requirements are the same as ABE (Bachelor's Degree Requirement)  
Minnesota Board of Teaching          
1500 Highway 36 West          
Roseville, MN  55113-4266          
contact: Dianne Garcia          
ph: (651) 582-8833          
fax:  (651) 582-8872          
email:  board.teaching@state.mn.us          
Web: http://cfl.state.mn.us/teachbrd          
           
                 
Mississippi Certificate of ABE orientation completion Bachelor's degree or higher 20 hours of state-approved PD annually. This is the minimum requirement for part-time instructors. Full-time instructors receive more. 60 hours of PD opportunities are offered by the state annually. This is also supplemented locally. 20 hours of orientation to behavioral and federal regulations, documentation requirements, etc. Includes some theory on adult education. Based on a manual. Must pass a test on manual contents to receive certificate of ABE orientation completion. 1 year of mentoring by a local trainer.   Same as ABE, plus must pass an 8-hour training on BEST Plus. Annual BEST Plus refresher meetings are also offered.    
State Board for Community and Junior Colleges      
     
Education Research Center      
3825 Ridgewood Road      
Jackson, MS 39211      
contact: Danny Seal, Program Specialist      
     
ph: (601) 432-6440    
fax: (601) 432-6363    
email: seal@sbcjc.cc.ms.us    
Web: http://sbcjc.cc.ms.us      
               
               
Missouri There is a 4-year Initial AEL certificate (issued by the Department of Education). After 4 years with an Initial certificate, teacher may apply for the Career Continuous certification. When the teacher has completed Initial Certification, MA degree, and 10 years of teaching, teacher may apply for High Quality Career Continuous certification. This is a lifetime certificate and, upon receiving this certificate, a teacher is exempt from professional development. Bachelor's degree or higher Must be hired/employed by a state-funded AEL program as an AEL teacher. Prior to initial certification, candidates must apply to go through 16 hours of pre-certification and a background check. Then candidates are qualified to apply for Initial AEL certification. Next, within 4 years, staff participate in 60 hours of approved professional development, including the Beginning Teachers' Assistance Program (BTAP).  Beginning teachers are also required to participate in a 2-year mentoring program. Those holding a Career Continuous certificate are required to attend 20 hours of approved professional development per year. AEL I:  1)  Successful completion of the AEL Beginning, Intermediate, and Experienced Teacher Workshops;
2) One in-service per year and other training as may be required

AEL II: 1)  12 credit hours of AEL;
3) Successful completion of seven annual workshops and one in-service per year, and other training as required. Expand professional development opportunities. Pre-certification workshop and beginning teacher assistance program. There is a statewide PD Center.
Rather than having a renewal process, Certification is the same as ABE teachers. Requirements are the same as ABE (a bachelor's degree is needed).
State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Adult Education Missouri teachers have the option of upgrading their certificates after 4 and 10 years of teaching.  
402 Dix Road
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO  65102
   
contact:  Gene Johnson, Supervisor of AEL      
ph: (573) 522-6547        
fax: (573) 526-5710        
Teresa Noels: (573) 751-1248        
Web: http://services.dese.state.mo.us        
         
         
         
               
               
               
                 
                 
Montana No credential required No level of education required; it is up to local decisions. No requirements No training is required by state.   Same as ABE (No ESL credential) Same as ABE (No ESL requirements)  
Montana Office of Public Instruction
P.O. Box 202501
 
Helena, MT  59620-2501  
Contact: Margarete Bowles, ABE State Director    
ph: (406) 444-4443    
Web: www.metnet.state.mt.us    
     
                 
Nebraska No ABE credential is required. High school diploma No requirements 24 hours of professional development every 3 years   For optional K-12 endorsement, adult ESL teachers need 15 hours of coursework. No ESL requirements  
Nebraska Department of Education    
301 Centennial Mall South    
P.O. Box 94987    
Lincoln, NE  68509    
contact:  Vicki Bauer, Director    
ph: (402) 471-4807    
fax: (402) 471-8127    
email: vicki.bauer@nde.ne.gov    
Web: www.nde.state.ne.us/ADED/home.htm    
                 
                 
Nevada Voluntary Adult Basic Educator's Certificate of Performance
No level of education is required by the state. Initial Certificate: Evidence of student outcomes as demonstrated by retention and CASAS test scores or receipt of GED. Must show for two classes. Good for 3 years. For optional professional license, a master's degree is required, plus 6 hours of coursework and 3 years teaching experience; license is valid 3 years and need 30 hours of professional development.   Same as ABE Same as ABE
 
Community College of Southern Nevada    
2409 Las Verdes - K1A    
Las Vegas, NV  89102    
contact:  Ken Zutter, Program Information Specialist    
ph: (775) 687-9236    
fax: (775) 687-9114    
email: kzutter@doe.nv.gov    
Also contact:  Sharyn Yanoshak    
ph: (702) 253-6280    
fax: (702) 253-6280    
                 
                 
New Hampshire No credential is required. State does not require a level of education. Requirements set by local programs, may vary by type of program. No requirements     Same as ABE.
ESOL Certificate is an option for Adult ESL professionals
(given by the Bureau of Adult Education).

This ESOL Certificate is given to recognize teacher's efforts but gives no financial reward.
Same as ABE--bachelor's degree is needed for the ESOL Certificate option.  
Bureau of Adult Education      
21 South Fruit Street, Suite #20
Concord, NH  03301-3860
     
contact: Debbie Tasker, Consultant and GED administrator. phone: (603) 271-6701; email: dtasker@ed.state.nh.us      
Art Ellison: ph: (603) 271-6698; fax: (603) 271-1953 ;email:  aellison@ed.state.nh.us      
Web: link: www.nhadulted.org      
www.state.nh.us/labor      
                 
                 
New Jersey General certification required for all teachers working in the public school system (K-12), but no specification of content focus. Bachelor's degree Must pass an examination in physiology and hygiene, including the effects of narcotics and alcohol, have completed basic military training, or have completed college-level study in areas such as biology, health, or nutrition. Must complete the Provisional Teacher Program (induction/mentoring for alternate route or traditionally prepared first-year teachers); or a state-approved college teacher preparation program and 1 year of full-time teaching under a valid state license. Certification is permanent, but there is a requirement for 100 hours of professional development to be completed in a 5-year span of time to maintain the certification. Same as ABE.    
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development        
P.O. Box 055, 2nd Floor        
Trenton, NJ 08625-0055        
contact: Claudia Merkel-Keller, Assistant Director of Workforce Dev.        
       
ph: (609) 943-5922        
fax: (609) 984-4313        
email: claudia.merkel-keller@dol.state.nj.us        
       
Web: www.state.nj.us/education        
       
       
New Mexico No credential required No level of education required   Statewide ABE professional development is offered but is not required.   Same as ABE (No ESL Credential required) No ESL requirements  
New Mexico Higher Education Department        
1068 Cerillos Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
     
contact: State Director for Adult Basic Education,        
Pamela Etre-Perez, PhD        
ph:  (505) 476-6533        
email:  pam.etre-perez@state.nm.us        
Web: http://sde.state.nm.us        
NMHED Web site (re: policies, procedures, grant opportunities): hed.state.nm.us.        
         
                 
New York PreK-12 teaching Certificate required by Local Education Agencies (LEAs)

Temporary teaching certificate in adult education (only as required by LEAs)
A bachelor's segree is required (for temporary preK-12 cert.). After 5 years of teaching, ABE staff need a masters degree (for permanent preK-12 cert.) 3 years of preparation/experience in the subject to be taught At least 10 hours of inservice per year Every year, teachers must renew their certificate. Same as ABE Same as ABE  
New York State Education Department  
Office of Workforce Preparation and  
Continuing Education  
89 Washington Avenue  
Albany, NY  12234  
contact:  Tom Orsini  
ph: (518) 474-8940  
fax: (518) 474-2801  
email:  torsini@mail.nysed.gov  
Web: www.emsc.nysed.gov/workforce/home.html  
usny.nysed.gov/licensing (teacher cert)  
                 
                 
North Carolina No credential required Bachelor's degree No state-level requirements No training requirements at the state level (training is a local decision)   Same as ABE (No ESL Credential required) Same as ABE (A Bachelor's Degree is necessary) In the near future trying to put credential in place
Department of Community Colleges  
200 West Jones Street    
Raleigh, NC  27603    
contact: Karen Brown    
ph: (919) 807-7140    
fax: (919) 807-3445    
email:  kbrown@nccommunitycolleges.org    
Web: www.ncccs.cc.nc.us    
     
                 
                 
North Dakota No credential required         Same as ABE    
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction                
               
600 East Boulevard Avenue, State Capitol Building, 9th Floor                
               
Bismarck, ND 58505-0440                
contact: David Massey, Assistant State Superintendent                
               
ph: (701) 328-2393                
fax: (701) 328-4770                
email: dmassey@nd.gov                
Web: www.dpi.state.nd.us/adulted                
                 
                 
Ohio If employed by an LEA, an instructor must hold:                      *a current Ohio teaching certificate/ license in any area (K-12 or adult education) or                                          * a temporary Adult Education Teaching Permit (this permit is for those with lapsed certificates or for those  without certificates with a minimum of a bachelors degree).                              For programs housed in community-based organizations or community colleges, instructor requirements are reviewed and negotiated during grant approval process, but most programs hire certified teachers. Bachelor's degree or higher in any area All staff paid by Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) funds must complete an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP). The Resource Center Network (RCN), funded by the Ohio Department of Education, financially supports two activities per year for staff that work more than 7 hours per week; one activity for staff that work less than 7 hours per week. ABLE staff are encouraged to attend more than the required trainings. The state has developed teacher, administrator, and support staff competencies that will form the basis of PD tracks that may lead to a certification or endorsement in various areas (e.g., ESOL instructor). The tracks will include required and elective courses.  The RCN offers required and other core trainings in areas including but not limited to New Teacher Training, Reading, Writing, Math, Technology, Learning Disabilities, ESOL, etc.  A training calendar and online registration exist on the RCN Website. Ohio teaching certificate/license must be renewed according to Ohio Department of Education Policy.  Adult Education Teaching Permit: Instructors apply for annual renewal through the local school district and Department of Education. Same as ABE Same as ABE Local programs establish their own hiring practices within these guidelines. For instance, the program can decide that only individuals with ESL certificates will be hired to teach ESL classes or only those certified in math, reading, or writing will teach ABE/GED classes.
Ohio Department of Education    
Office of Career-Technical and Adult Education    
   
Adult Basic and Literacy Education    
25 South Front Street, 6th Floor, Mail Stop 614    
Columbus, OH 43215-4183    
contact: Denise Pottmeyer, State Director for Adult Basic and Literacy Education    
   
   
ph: (614) 466-5015    
fax: (614) 728-8470    
email: denise.pottmeyer@ode.state.oh.us    
   
Web: www.ode.state.oh.us    
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
             
             
               
                 
Oklahoma All teachers have to be Oklahoma certified, but there is no credential required for ABE teachers and ESL teachers. Bachelor's degree To obtain an Oklahoma Teacher's Certificate credential, teachers must pass general education and subject area competency examinations. No state-level training prior to certification. Adult education training is provided by the state agency after the certified teacher has been hired by the local adult learning center. Oklahoma Teacher's Certificates are renewed every 5 years. Same as ABE (ESL teachers have to be Oklahoma certified and and pass general education and subject area competency examinations). Same as ABE (ESL teachers need to have a bachelor's degree.)  
Oklahoma Department of Education
Oliver Hodge Memorial Education Building
2500 North Lincoln Blvd., Room 115
Oklahoma City, OK  73105-4599
   
contact:  Dr. Stephanie Curtis, Director of Lifelong Learning      
       
ph: (405) 521-3321      
fax: (405) 521-0091      
Web: www.ridoe.net      
 http://sde.state.ok.us/pro/abe.html      
                 
                 
Oregon No credential required A majority of full-time instructors hold master's degrees in relevant content areas. However, this is not always the case in rural areas. Part-time instructors often hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree.       Same as ABE    
Department of Community Colleges & Workforce Development Requirements are determined by individual colleges.            
           
255 Capitol Street NE/PSB            
Salem, OR 97310-0203            
contact: Mary Jane Bagwell, Adult Education Leadership Specialist            
           
ph: (503) 378-8648, x 284            
fax: (503) 378-8434            
email: maryjane.bagwell@state.or.us            
           
Web: www.oregon.gov/ccwd/abe            
                 
                 
Pennsylvania No credential required No level of education required by the state; agencies require teachers to have a bachelor's degree. No requirements State provides professional development, but it is not a requirement. New teachers are provided orientations. No ESL credential required
(looking into establishing "guidelines" for teachers to have certain knowledge).
Required: new ESL teachers are provided orientation.  
Pennsylvania Department of Education  
333 Market Street  
Harrisburg, PA  17126-0333  
contact: Rose Brandt  
ph: (717) 772-3737  
ph:  (717) 783-6788  
email: rosebrandt@state.pa.us  
Web: www.paadulted.org  
                 
                 
Rhode Island No credential is required. No level of education is required by the state; many programs ask that teachers have a high school credential or bachelor's degree, but there is no state mandate. No requirements mandated by the state; programs may have preferred qualifications.  Participation in new practitioner orientation within first year of hire; ongoing expectation of engagement in professional development activities. FY 08 grants included up to 50 hours of paid professional development for full-time staff.   Same as ABE Same as ABE Currently, a work group composed of ABE and ESL practitioners is researching models and creating a proposal to address credentialing, compensation, and qualification of staff.
Rhode Island Department of Elementary and  
Secondary Education  
255 Westminster Street, Shepard Building  
Providence, RI  02903-3400  
contact: Johan Uvin, State Adult Education Director    
ph: (401) 222-8950 and 222-8948    
fax: (401) 222-4256    
email:  johan.uvin@RIDE.RI.GOV    
                 
                 
South Carolina No credential is required.
A task force is working to establish a credential.
A bachelor's degree is required. No additional requirements Regional training through the College of Charleston Current task force so that ESL teachers have to have a credential (not yet established) ESL teachers must complete 45 hours of professional development.

A 4-year degree is not required for ESL teachers.
At conferences and workshops, South Carolina offers "ESL Strands" best practices for teaching literary skills, etc.  
South Carolina State Department of Education  
Office of Community Education  
South Carolina Department of Ed.  
1429 Senate St. 906 Ruthledge Office Bldg.  
contact: Kathy Harvin  
Columbia, SC  29201  
ph:  (803) 734-3160  
fax:  (803) 734-2873  
email: old email: Certification@scteachers.org  
Web: www.scteachers.org and sc.ta.org  
                 
                 
South Dakota No credential is required. No level of education is required by the state, but a bachelor's degree is preferred. No requirements 15-hour New Teacher training for all ESL and AEL teachers within 4 months of hire date   Same as ABE (No ESL credential is required.) 15-hour New Teacher training for all ESL and AEL teachers within 4 months of hire date  
Department of Labor      
700 Governors Drive    
Pierre, SD  57501-2291      
contact:  Marcia Hess      
ph: (605) 773-3101      
fax: (605) 773-6184      
email:  marcia.hess@state.sd.us      
Web: www.sdjobs.org and www.state.sd.us      
       
       
Tennessee No credential required Bachelor's degree Preferred: Tennessee teacher certification, training, or coursework in teaching reading and/or math; 3 years' teaching experience; completion of at least three workshops in the subject(s) being taught Requirement for first-year teachers: 6 hours of new teacher orientation on working with adult learners and a minimum of 6 hours of Division of Adult Education-sponsored professional development.   Same as ABE    
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Adult Education Teacher certification is highly recommended but no longer a requirement.          
         
         
500 James Robertson Parkway          
11th Floor Davy Crockett Tower          
Nashville, TN 37245          
contact: Hope Lancaster, Director of Professional Development and ESOL          
  All other teachers: a minimum of 6 hours of professional development each year        
         
ph: (615) 741-7057          
fax: (615) 532-4899          
email: hope.lancaster@state.tn.us          
Web: www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/AE          
                 
                 
Texas No credential is required.

Optional credential started in 2004.
A bachelor's degree is required. For optional credential, professional development required.

Optional credential is based on a point system.
When teachers are certified with the optional credential, 12 hours of professional development are required. 24 hours of professional development are required for every teacher each year if teachers are not certified with the optional credential.

Current in-service training requirement proposal
  Same as ABE    
Texas Learns        
6311 Irvington Blvd.        
Houston, TX 77022-5618        
         
contact:  Joanie Rethlake, State Director        
ph: (713) 696-0700        
         
fax: (713) 696-0797        
email: jrethlake@hcde-texas.org        
                   
Utah No credential is required. No required level of education is required by the state. No requirements No requirements   Same as ABE No ESL requirements  
Utah State Office of Education    
250 East 500 South    
     
Salt Lake City, UT  84111    
contact: Marti Kelly, Coordinator of ABE    
ph: (801) 538-7824    
fax: (801) 538-7768    
Web: www.usoe.k12.ut.us/cert    
             
             
Vermont No credential required No state requirement (Majority have BA or MA, but there is no official requirement.) No requirements No requirements   Same as ABE
Department of Education          
120 State Street          
Montpelier, VT 05620-2501          
contact: Thomas Alderman, Director of Adult Education              
ph: (802) 828-3134              
fax: (802) 828-3146              
email: tom.alderman@state.vt.us              
Web: www.education.vt.gov              
                 
                 
Virginia No credential is required. Bachelor's degree (minimum) Local program decision Training available through the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center       Although there is no state-level requirement that adult education ESL teachers  be licensed/endorsed in adult education or ESL, the Division of Teacher Education and Licensure does have an adult education endorsement with an add-on related to ESL.  (See Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel - July 1998, Code of Virginia 8 VAC 20-21-160, 8 VAC 20-21-170, 8 VAC 20-21-180, and 8 VAC 20-21-190;  Virginia Licensure Renewal Manual - July 1998.)
  It is recommended by the Office of Adult Education and Literacy that individuals who are hired to teach adult education classes in Virginia be either licensed or working toward licensure.            
Office of Adult Education and Literacy            
Virginia Department of Education            
James Monroe Building            
101 North 14th Street            
P.O. Box 2120            
Richmond, VA  23218-2120            
contact:  Elizabeth Hawa, Director            
ph: (804) 225-2075            
email: Elizabeth.Hawa@doe.virginia.gov            
               
               
                 
                 
Washington No credential is required. No level of education is required by the state. No state requirements No state requirement   Same as ABE (no ESL Credential is required); advanced degree is requested by employers. Programs which are funded by the state need to provide professional development to ESL teachers. Employers often request a master's degree from ESL teachers. Local employers, mostly community and technical colleges and community-based organizations, determine their own individual hiring requirements.
Adult Basic Education Office      
WA State Board for Community & Technical Colleges      
319 SE 7th Ave. P.O. Box 42495      
Olympia, WA 98504-7200        
contact: Brian Kates, Policy Associate        
ph:  (360) 704-4324        
fax:  (360) 586-0145        
email:  bcaines@sbctc.ctc.edu        
         
             
                 
West Virginia Adult License with ABE Endorsement Bachelor's degree Depending upon route to licensure, requirements may include: Complete pre-service training program 1) Valid 5 years; 2) 6 semester hours of appropriate college/university coursework for issuance of a Professional Teaching Certificate or in a program of adult education; 3) 30 clock hours of ABE staff development in-service activities; 4) recommendation of a superintendent in the county of employment Professional Teaching Certificate and ESL Endorsement Initial Professional Teaching Certificate: Valid 3 years; 1) bachelor's degree; 2) NBPTS Certificate; 3) Praxis I & II, Principles of Learning and
Teaching Praxis Test; Professional 5-Year Teaching Certificate: valid 5 years; 1) successful completion of a beginning educator internship or a valid out-of-state certificate and 5 years' teaching experience; 2) 2 years' experience; 3) recommendation of superintendent
 
Department of Education
Office of Professional Preparation
Building 6, Rm 252 1) Minimum education requirement
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East  
Charlestown, WV 25305-0330 2) Meets the proficiency scores on the state competency exam(s) and enrolls in an 18 semester hour WVBE-approved alternative route to certification program  
contact: Coordinator  
ph: (304) 558-7010  
fax: (304) 558-7843  
email: mfmiller@access.k12.wv.us                             
Web: http://wvde.state.wv.us 3) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certificate and WVBE Adopted Tests  
   
   
               
                 
Wisconsin Certificate Bachelor's degree Provisional certificate: 20 relevant credit hours required Professional certificate: relevant major required (including courses in educational methods, history and philosophy of the Wisconsin technical college system, curriculum development, educational psychology, educational evaluation, guidance and counseling, and educational diversity, plus 2-credit course) Valid 2 years Certificate Provisional certificate: Bachelor's degree or minor in ESL, TESOL, applied linguistics, VESL, or bilingual education and 1 year of occupational experience outside the field of education  
Wisconsin Technical College System Board (provisional or 5-year certificate)        
         
4622 University Avenue        
Madison, WI 53707-7874        
contact: Sharon Spangberg, Certification Consultant        
       
ph: (608) 266-0003        
fax: (608) 266-1690       Professional certificate: Required major in one of the areas listed above  
email: sharon.spangberg@wtcsystem.edu        
         
Web: www.board.tec.wi.us/cert/index.htm            
             
             
                 
Wyoming No credential is required.

(Since 2002 have been discussing a credential.)
No level of education is required by the state. No state requirements. No state training requirement   Same as ABE Same as ABE  
Community College Commission in Wyoming  
Professional Teaching Standards Board    
2300 Capitol Avenue    
Hathaway Bldg. 2nd Floor    
Cheyenne, WY 82002    
contact:  Margarete Elwood, Adult Basic Ed Director    
ph:  (307) 777-7675    
fax:  (307) 777-6234