Teacher certification under review by state education officials

State education officials are exploring a plan that would allow teachers additional pathways besides the longtime requirement of earning a master’s degree in order to gain professional certification, according to a document obtained by Newsday.

One option under consideration would allow teachers seeking professional certification to simply earn extra college credits at a graduate level — coursework that the state has not yet spelled out in any detail.

On Long Island, the plan was roundly criticized earlier this week by a group of social studies educators who contended such changes could lower professional standards. 

At the state level, education leaders said discussion of change in teacher certification requirements is in the preliminary stage and no timetable for approval has been set. 

“The exploratory investigation is still going on,” said state Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa in a Friday phone interview. “No decision has been made, and we are not going to bring anything before the Regents until such time when we have had more conversations.” 

Rosa referred to the state’s Board of Regents, which sets much of New York’s education policy.

Some teachers with less experience and bachelor’s degrees have initial certificates that last five years. By the end of that period, they need a master’s and teaching experience to get the professional certificate.

Roger Tilles of Manhasset, the board member representing Long Island, predicted that a…