Active Educator Renewal for a Utah Educator License

Active Educators either have a current teaching position in Utah or have taught in Utah for more than half of the school years in the license renewal cycle (Level 1 licenses: 2 of 3 years, Level 2 licenses: 3 of 5 years, or Level 3 licenses: 3 of 7 years). Licenses can be renewed up to six (6) months prior to the expiration date.

Educator Licensing Definitions 
Utah State Board of Education (USBE)

Basic Steps for Active Educators

1. Earn Professional Learning Points based on license level:
   1. Complete a Level 1 License Renewal Form itemizing a minimum of 100 points
   2. Complete a Level 2/3 License Renewal Form itemizing a minimum of 200 points
   3. Complete two hours of Youth Suicide Prevention Training within the License Cycle through an educator’s employing Local Education Agency (LEA)
2. Have a cleared USBE Background Fingerprint Check; go to Educator Licensing Online to begin
3. Complete a USBE Ethics Review online at Educator Licensing Online
4. Meet with a Licensed Administrator for signatures and approval of the renewal form
5. Renew License:
   1. Level 1 must mail a completed renewal form to USBE at the address as formatted on the application
   2. Level 2/3 must renew online at Educator Licensing Online. Choose the appropriate option depending on if your license is current or expired

For a printable version of the breakdown of the renewal process go to Step by Step Active Educator Renewal Instructions.

Active educators must create a Professional Growth Plan as part of their educator evaluation with their administrative supervisor. The Professional Learning Plan is a component of this overall Professional Growth Plan. For most educators, the administrative supervisor will be the Principal or Vice-Principal responsible for the annual evaluation of the educator. Active educators are required to review and revise the plan with their administrative supervisor annually. Active educators are required to have their current administrative supervisor sign their Professional Learning Plan and the final license renewal form.

For educators who are actively serving as a United States Service Member, the license is considered “frozen” until they are released from active duty. USBE will extend a license for the number of years on active duty with appropriate documentation showing the activation and release dates.

Definitions

Level 1 License

A standard Level 1 license is a Utah professional educator license issued upon completion of an approved preparation program, an alternative preparation program, or pursuant to an agreement under the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Contract, to candidates who have also met all ancillary requirements established by law or rule.

Level 2 License

A standard Level 2 license is a Utah professional educator license issued after satisfaction of all requirements for a Level 1 license as well as the Entry Years Enhancement (E.Y.E.) requirements established by law or rule relating to professional preparation or experience.

Level 3 License

A standard Level 3 license is a Utah professional educator license issued to an educator who holds a current Utah Level 2 license and has also received, in the educator’s field of practice, National Board Certification, a doctorate from an accredited institution, or a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Active Educator

An individual holding a current Utah educator license who is currently employed by a Utah public school, accredited private school (K-12), or the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), or who was employed by one of those entities in a role covered by the license for at least three years in the individual's license cycle. The length of the license cycle depends on the individual’s license level; Level 1 = 3 years; Level 2 = 5 years; Level 3 = 7 years.

Inactive Educator

An individual holding a current or expired Utah educator license who does not meet the criteria for an Active educator; not currently employed by a Utah public or accredited private school and who was employed by such an entity for less than three years in the individual’s license cycle. The length of the license cycle depends on the individual’s license level; Level 1 = 3 years; Level 2 = 5 years; Level 3 = 7 years.

Licensed Administrator

An individual that holds a current Utah Educator license with an Administrative/Supervisory license area of concentration or an individual currently employed by a Utah Local Education Agency (LEA) or Utah accredited Private School in an administrative position or an individual that is licensed as an administrator in another state that has reviewed the Utah license renewal rules (R277-500) or if the renewing educator is the highest administrative authority in an LEA (superintendent or charter school director), the president or chairperson of the local board of education.

License Cycle

The allowable period of time for counting professional learning points toward renewal. Points earned outside of the license cycle are ineligible and cannot be counted toward renewing a license. Typically, an educator’s license cycle will be the time between renewals always ending June 30th of the year the license expires.

• Level 1*(including APT*): the renewal cycle is a three (3) year window from the date of the previous renewal, or within the most recent three (3) years if the license is expired.
• Level 2: the renewal cycle is a five (5) year window from the date of the previous renewal, or within the most recent five (5) years if the license is expired. 
• Level 3: the renewal cycle is a seven (7) year window from the date of the previous renewal, or within the most recent seven (7) years if the license is expired.

Professional Learning points

Professional learning points are a way of quantifying completed professional learning. Points for renewal are awarded when learning opportunities are completed and documented on a transcript or certificate of completion. In general, points may be awarded based on clock (seat) hours, re-licensure points, or credit. Explanations of these values can be found under Renewal Categories.

Professional Learning

Is learning for the purpose of earning or maintaining professional credentials, such as academic degrees or professional licenses. This learning can occur through formal coursework, conferences, and informal learning opportunities situated in practice.

Inactive Educator Renewal for a Utah Educator License

Answering “yes” to any of the following conditions, qualifies as an active educator, and must renew through the Active Educator Renewal steps to renew a Utah Educator License:

• For Level 1 licensed educators taught two out of the last three years in Utah, or
• For Level 2 licensed educators taught three out of the last five years in Utah, or
• For Level 3 licensed educators taught three out of the last seven years in Utah, or
• Have a current contracted assignment in a Utah school

Inactive Educators do not have a current teaching assignment in Utah and have taught in Utah for less than half of their renewal cycle.

Educator Licensing Definitions 
Utah State Board of Education (USBE)

Basic Steps for Inactive Educators

1. Earning Professional Learning Points based on license level:
   1. Complete a Level 1 License Renewal Form itemizing a minimum of 100 points
   2. Complete a Level 2/3 License Renewal Form itemizing a minimum of 200 points
   3. Inactive educators are not required to show two hours of Youth Suicide Prevention Training completed within the license cycle; however, this training can be used towards renewal points, and is encouraged by the USBE
2. Have a cleared USBE Background Fingerprint Check; go to Educator Licensing Online to begin
3. 3. Complete a USBE Ethics Review online at Educator Licensing Online
4. Meet with a Licensed Administrator for signatures and approval of the renewal form
5. Renew License:
   1. Level 1 must mail a completed renewal form to USBE at the address as formatted on the application
   2. Level 2/3 must renew online at Educator Licensing Online. Choose the appropriate option depending on if your license is current or expired

For a printable version of the breakdown of the renewal process go to Step by Step Inactive Educator Renewal Instructions. 

It is recommended that inactive educators meet with a K-12 administrator twice. Once at the beginning of the educator’s license renewal cycle to review a Professional Learning Plan, and again when they are ready to renew the license. Please note that administrators have many responsibilities and deadlines, and will do their best to accommodate license renewal reviews into their schedule.

USBE's Professional Learning Plan form is a tool inactive educators may use to plan how they will earn the required professional learning points to renew their Utah Educator License. It is also a document inactive educators may use to have a specific professional learning activity pre-approved for points by a licensed K-12 administrator. Any currently licensed K-12 administrator can approve a professional learning plan. However, another administrator is not required to honor the pre-approval at the time of renewal if they feel the activity is not appropriate. Administrators are not responsible to create the professional learning plan, but may provide potential resources for professional learning activities. The Professional Learning Plan form is a tool for educator use only, and does not need to be submitted to USBE.

Inactive educators must work with a currently licensed local K-12 administrator to renew their Utah Educator License. The individual approving the license renewal form does not necessarily need to be the same individual that approved the professional learning plan.

For educators who are actively serving as a U.S. service member, the license is considered ‘frozen’ until they are released from active duty. USBE will extend a license for the number of years on active duty with appropriate documentation showing the activation and release dates.

Renewal Categories

In order to be valid for renewal, professional learning activities must fall into the categories detailed in R277-500: Educator Licensing Renewal, Timelines, and Required Fingerprint Background Checks. This website details those categories and provides additional guidance regarding policy not covered in the rule.

Professional License Cycle

A professional license cycle is determined by the date a license is issued or renewed and ending on June 30th of the license expiration year. A Level 1 license is valid for 3 years, a Level 2 license is valid for 5 years, and a Level 3 license is valid for 7 years.

If you hold a current Utah Educator License, only professional learning activities completed within the current renewal cycle are valid, starting the date the license was renewed.

If you hold an expired Utah Educator License, only professional learning activities completed within the applicable license cycle are valid. Points are counted starting the date the renewal form has been approved going back three, five, or seven years, based on the license level.

Renewal Categories

Categories

A. Licensed educator experience
B. A college/university course
C. Utah State Board of Education (USBE) professional learning credit
D. Local Education Agency (LEA)-sponsored or approved professional learning activities
E. Acceptable alternative professional learning activities
F. Conferences, workshops, institutes, symposia, or staff-development programs
G. Content and pedagogy testing
H. Utah university sponsored cooperating teachers
I. Service in a leadership role in a professional education organization
J. Educational research and innovation that results in a final, demonstrable product
K. Substituting in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school
L. Paraprofessional or volunteer service in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school

A. Licensed Contracted Educator Experience:

1. Educators may earn licensure renewal points based on their employment in a position requiring a Utah educator license during their license cycle.
2. Only years of employment with satisfactory performance evaluations may be counted for license renewal points.
3. A Level 1 license holder may earn 25 license renewal points per year of employment to a maximum of 50 points per license cycle. (2 years of the 3 in the license cycle)
4. A Level 2 or 3 license holder may earn 35 license renewal points per year of employment to a maximum of 105 points per license cycle. (3 years of the 5 or 7 in the license cycle)

Guidance/Clarification:

• An Active Educator who is working for a public school or regionally-accredited private school in Utah may receive points for their employment, as long as they received satisfactory performance evaluations. An educator that is employed by an institution of higher-learning (college/university…etc.) or by a supplemental instructional service (Private Learning Centers, Preschools, Day Care facilities) is not eligible to receive these points.
• An Inactive Educator may still receive points for years in a contracted teaching assignments, even if they do not meet the criteria of an active Utah educator. For example, a Level 2 license holder who is not currently employed but completed 2 years of contracted teaching in the last 5 years is considered an inactive educator. In this situation, the educator may count 70 points towards license renewal (35 points per year) based on those assignments. Educators working outside of Utah are also eligible to use points for their contracted assignments but are considered as an inactive educator, unless they meet the active educator definition.

Refer to the chart below to determine the point values based on contracted work hours per school year:

Level 1 License Holders

Annual Contract Hours	Points
0-179	5
180-359	10
360-539	15
540-719	20
720+	25

 
Level 2/3 License Holders

Annual Contract Hours	Points
0-144	10
145-288	15
289-432	20
433-576	25
577-719	30
720+	35

B. A college/university course:

1. Coursework completed at a regionally accredited college/university.
2. Subject matter must be related to education or subjects taught in a K-12 public school.
3. Courses successfully completed for credit only with a C grade or better, or a “pass”.
4. Courses must be non-remedial (course number > 100 or > 1000 based university numbering system.
5. Each semester credit hour is worth 18 renewal points and must be recorded on an official college/university transcript.

Guidance/Clarification:

• Points must be validated by an official transcript provided to a licensed K-12 administrator. Each course must be itemized on the renewal form and include date/semester completed, course number/course title, credits, and converted point value.
• If a licensed educator is employed by a university and is teaching university level coursework they may receive the same renewal points as an individual taking the course, but may only count each unique course once per renewal cycle. For example, if an educator is teaching English 1010 multiple times at a regionally accredited college/university within the license cycle, they are only eligible to count this course one time within the license cycle for 54 points (3 semester credits x 18). However, if the educator is teaching 3 semester credits of English 1010 and 3 semester credits of English 2010, they may receive 108 points (6 semester credits x 18). As teaching a course does not appear on a university transcript, a letter should be obtained from the dean or department head providing confirmation of the classes taught.

C. USBE professional learning credit:

1. Must be State-approved under R277-519-3: Educator Professional Learning Procedures and USBE Credit.
2. Must provide documentation of successful completion through attendance and required project(s).
3. Each USBE credit hour equals 15 license renewal points.

Guidance/Clarification:

• USBE professional learning credit is usually verified through the Massively Integrated Data Analytics System (MIDAS). In the event that points do not appear in MIDAS, printed certificates or other documentation showing completion can be used. Professional learning completed in another state does not fall into this category, but falls into category D or E.
• Educators serving as the instructor of a course receive the same point value as an individual who participated in the course. This category is limited to one course per license cycle similar to the Category B example for instructors.

D. LEA-sponsored or approved professional learning activities:

1. Must be approved by the LEA at least four weeks prior to the scheduled activity.
2. May include LEA or school-based professional learning activity groups such as:
   • Participating in professional learning communities
   • Development of LEA or school curriculum
   • Planning and implementation of a school improvement plan
   • Mentoring a Level 1 teacher
   • Engaging in instructional coaching
   • Conducting action research
   • Assessing student work with colleagues to inform instruction.
3. Each clock hour of scheduled professional learning activity time equals one license renewal point, not to exceed 25 points per activity group per year.

Guidance/Clarification:

• This category pertains to professional learning activities completed at an educator’s employing LEA or accredited private school. The list under Section 2 above is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but rather is to provide examples of non-traditional activities that improve or maintain an educator’s skills. These types of professional learning activities may be documented in MIDAS or as printed certificates or other documentation provided by the LEA that include the educator’s name, dates, and hour values.
• Similar activities such as Professional Learning Communities or Staff meetings/trainings completed within the LEA can be “batched” and reported by school year.

E. Acceptable alternative professional learning activities:

1. Acceptable activities are those that enhance or improve education, yet may not fall into an existing category.
2. These activities must be approved by the educator's supervisor OR a licensed administrator if the educator is inactive.
3. Each clock hour of participation equals one license renewal point, not to exceed 25 points per activity.
4. Continuous Education Unit (CEU) are equal to 10 points per credit (unit).

Guidance/Clarification:

• This category is intended to include any appropriate professional learning activity that the educator feels enhances their skills in the classroom, but does not fall into an existing category. The licensed administrator that is signing off on the renewal or professional learning plan has the final determination as to whether or not a particular activity will be approved. An activity should be directly related to the educator's skills and teaching areas and should be professional in nature; not informal.
• Example: an integrated science teacher has the opportunity to work at a dinosaur dig site with local university professors during the summer and details the experience using video journals to enhance their lessons in the coming year. This activity will increase the teacher’s ability to instruct students on any paleontology-related lesson and is formal in nature. This type of activity should be approved.
• Non-example: an integrated science teacher goes camping every summer and brings back interesting floral samples and fossils to enhance their instruction. While this activity may certainly improve instruction in the class, this collection is not formal and is not increasing the skills of the teacher; it is enhancing classroom materials. This type of activity should not be approved.
• There is no clear black and white line in regards to this category. Activities such as Scouting, Church organizations, preschools/day cares, tutoring, and homeschooling do not meet the Board requirements for renewal points. Again, the final determination as to whether an activity is appropriate in this category is made by the licensed administrator’s review and discretion on the validity and appropriateness of the activity.

F. Conferences, workshops, institutes, symposia, or staff-development programs outside of the LEA:

1. Acceptable conferences, workshops, and programs shall be approved by the educator's supervisor OR a licensed administrator if the educator is inactive.
2. Each clock hour of participation equals one license renewal point, not to exceed 25 points per activity.

Guidance/Clarification:

• This category pertains to professional learning activities completed outside of an educator’s employing LEA, accredited private school, or through USBE. A certificate of completion that includes the educator’s name, activity title, date, and hours awarded is the most appropriate way of documenting this type of activity. A copy of an agenda or program alone is not an acceptable form of documentation. Other documentation, such as an agenda accompanied by a registration payment receipt with the educator’s name, may be acceptable at the discretion of the licensed administrator.

G. Content and pedagogy testing:

1. Acceptable tests include those approved by the Board.
2. Each Board-approved test score report submitted, with a passing score, equals 25 license renewal points.
3. Each test must be related to the educator's current or potential license area(s) or endorsement(s).
4. No more than two test score reports may be submitted in a license cycle.

Guidance/Clarification:

• This category is typically a Praxis II content knowledge or Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test used for earning a new license area or endorsement or for USBE (State) Qualified designation. Assessment tests passed for licensure purposes in other States are not valid.

H. Utah-University sponsored cooperating teachers:

1. An educator working as a cooperating teacher with one or more student teachers may earn license renewal points.
2. Each clock hour spent supervising, collaborating with, and mentoring assigned student teachers equals one license renewal point not to exceed 25 points per renewal cycle.

Guidance/Clarification:

• This category is only to be used in association with UTAH colleges/universities that have an accredited teacher preparation program. Please note that validation of time spent in this role is subject to administrator review and approval.

I. Service in a leadership role in a national, state-wide, or LEA-recognized professional education organization:

1. Acceptable service must be approved by the educator's supervisor OR a licensed administrator if the educator is inactive.
2. Each clock hour of participation equals one license renewal point, not to exceed 10 points per school year.

Guidance/Clarification:

• If necessary, this activity can be documented by a letter from the current head of the organization (i.e. local School Board, PTA/PTO, etc.) detailing the role and dates served.

J. Educational research and innovation that results in a final, demonstrable product:

1. Acceptable service must be approved by the educator's supervisor OR a licensed administrator if the educator is inactive.
2. The research activity shall be consistent with school and LEA policy.
3. Each clock hour of participation equals one license renewal point, not to exceed 35 points per activity.

Guidance/Clarification:

• “Final, demonstrable product,” means a dissertation, a master’s thesis, a scholarly article (published or otherwise), presentation to professional group, or presentation to a school faculty.

K. Substituting in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school (inactive educators only):

1. This category is an acceptable professional learning activity only for Inactive Educators paid and authorized as substitutes.
2. Two hours of documented substitute time equals one license renewal point, not to exceed 25 points per school year or 50 points per license cycle.
3. Verification of hours must be documented on LEA or school letterhead and include number of hours completed within each school year and be signed by the supervising administrator.

Guidance/Clarification:

• Substituting in a public or regionally accredited private school outside of the state of Utah is also acceptable under the same guidelines. Educators currently listed as “retired” may still be considered active. Please refer to the definition for an active educator for verification.

L. Paraprofessional (teacher aid) or volunteer service in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school (inactive educators only):

1. This category is an acceptable professional learning activity only for inactive educators.
2. Three hours of documented paraprofessional (teacher aid) and/or volunteer service equals one license renewal point, not to exceed 25 points per school year or 50 points per license cycle.
3. Verification of hours must be documented on LEA or school letterhead and include number of hours completed within each school year and be signed by the supervising administrator.

Guidance/Clarification:

• Paraprofessional (teacher aid) work or volunteer service in a public or accredited private school outside of the state of Utah is also acceptable under the same guidelines. Educators currently listed as “retired” may still be considered active. Please refer to the definition for an Active Educator for verification.

Return to Licensure (RTL) Program

This program allows educators with an expired license to return to teaching while completing requirements to fully renew their license.

Educator Licensing Definitions 
Utah State Board of Education (USBE)

Educator Licensing Online
Utah.gov

Entry Years Enhancement (E.Y.E.) Manual Upgrade Application

Return to Licensure Application (part 1 of 2)

Return to Licensure Application (part 2 of 2)

Examples of Appropriate Plans

Phase 1: Qualifications

1. Applicant must be considered an Inactive Educator in Utah.
2. License must be expired at least one school year.
3. Complete a USBE Fingerprint Background Check at Educator Licensing Online.
4. Complete an Educator Ethics Review at Educator Licensing Online.
5. Position Requirement: obtain contract position with a Utah Local Education Agency (LEA). Assignment must be posted in CACTUS.

Phase 2: Plan and Application

1. Educator and Principal/Director jointly complete Return to Licensure Application (part 1 of 2). Professional Learning Plan must be outlined on application: see Samples. Please retain a copy of this plan to review periodically with your principal/director.
2. Educator submits application to USBE within 30 days of hire.
3. No professional learning points are required for this renewal program.
4. For Level 1 Licensed Educators: if the educator has three or more years of licensed experience in Utah, upon completion of this program the license is subject to the E.Y.E. upgrade requirements for Level 2 license.
5. Educator will receive an email indicating that the application and plan have been approved.
6. All educators participating in this program are issued a temporary "Level 1-Returning" license by USBE. Upon completion of the program, the educator's original license level is reinstated.

Phase 3: Work toward Plan Goals

1. Throughout the school year, educator works to complete plan goals as outlined with school administrator (including exams, if applicable).

Phase 4: Plan Completion and Re-licensure

1. Educator reviews goal completion* and completes the Return to Licensure Application (part 2 of 2) with school administrator to obtain all appropriate signatures.
2. Submit renewal application to USBE prior to June 30. Please include a copy of part 1 when you submit part 2.
3. For Level 1 Licensed Educators: if part of your plan was to complete E.Y.E. upgrade requirements, please include the E.Y.E. Manual Upgrade Application.

If an educator fails to complete this program, or does not submit the Renewal application (part 2) prior to the deadline, they will need to complete a regular License Renewal with appropriate points.

For questions, please contact Educator Licensing at (801) 538-7740.

Upgrade to Level 2 Utah Educator License

The upgrade process allows an educator in Utah to upgrade to a higher license level after completing certain requirements based on the existing license level.

Early Years Enhancement (E.Y.E.) Brochure

E.Y.E. Manual Upgrade Application

Level 1 Licence Renewal Form 

Utah State Licensure Test Requirements 
Utah State Board of Education (USBE)

All Level 1 licensed educators employed or re-employed in a Local Education Agency (LEA) are required to complete the E.Y.E. program before they can upgrade to a Level 2 license. The goal of the E.Y.E. program is to encourage Level 1 licensed educators to develop effective teaching skills and strategies as described in the Utah Effective Teaching Standards with assistance from experienced mentors. Upon successful completion of three years of service and all E.Y.E. requirements, the employing LEA may approve for a Level 2 Utah Professional Educator License.

1. Complete all E.Y.E. upgrade requirements; review the E.Y.E. Brochure with your school administrator and LEA Human Resources.
2. Cleared Background check after July 1, 2015, per the Utah Office of Administrative Rules R277-500: Educator Licensing Renewal, Timelines, and Required Fingerprint Background Checks.
3. Complete ethics review within one calendar year of upgrade.
4. Approval in CACTUS by employing LEA beginning January of the license expiration year.
5. Finalize upgrade online at Educator Licensing Online to receive a copy via e-mail.  
6. If the LEA is unable to approve an upgrade in CACTUS, the E.Y.E. Manual Upgrade Application must be completed by the LEA and submitted to Utah State Board of Education (USBE) for processing.
7. If additional time is needed to complete the E.Y.E. Upgrade requirements, an employing LEA may request a one-year, one-time Level 1 Extension beginning April in a license expiration year.
8. For expired Level 1 licenses: submit both the Level 1 License Renewal Form and the E.Y.E. Manual Upgrade Application to USBE for processing.

Upgrade to Level 3 Utah Educator License

The upgrade process allows an educator in Utah to upgrade to a higher license level after completing certain requirements based on the existing license level.

To upgrade to a level 3 license, an educator must qualify for a Level 2 license and complete a doctorate in an education related field, or hold National Board Certification, or a current Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Submit a written request for upgrade to a level 3 license, an original transcript showing completion of the doctoral degree, or a copy of the National Board Certificate showing area and award date, or original evidence of CCC with a copy of your ASHA card and maintenance letter (attached together), include your CACTUS number, to:
Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Licensing
250 East 500 South
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200

Educators with a doctorate degree, electronic transcripts will be accepted only if sent directly from the college/university through a transcript clearinghouse to transcripts@schools.utah.gov. Please make a note on the letter that transcripts have been sent electronically to USBE.

Educators with a National Board Certification or Certificate of Clinical Competence must retain an updated certificate. Please send re-verification of active certificates to USBE.