DE Resources
Certificate Overview
A Delaware educator can hold multiple certificates to certify their education in a specific area of expertise. The certificate types are detailed below.
- Standard Certificate: Delaware defines “Standard Certificate” as a credential issued to certify that
an educator has the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area to teach a particular subject, or to teach a category of students. Find your certification area by reviewing Delaware’s list of Standard Certificates. The Professional Standards Board promulgates the regulations governing certification. - Emergency Certificate: Delaware defines “Emergency Certificate” as a temporary credential
issued to an educator who has obtained employment or an offer of employment with an
employing authority and holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License, but
lacks the necessary skills and knowledge to immediately meet certification requirements in a
specific content area. - Certificate of Eligibility: Delaware defines “Certificate of Eligibility” (COE) as a credential issued to
an educator who is participating in a state-approved, appropriate, alternative route to licensure
and certification program for teachers of students with disabilities and holds a valid Delaware
Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License.
Educator Credentialing
Apply for or Review your Delaware Educator Credentials
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is responsible for credentialing early childhood and PK- 12 professionals to work in Delaware early childcare centers, public districts and charter schools, adult education programs, and prison education facilities. To become a Delaware educator, candidates must log into EdAccess and submit a certification application in the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS). The DEEDS system also allows the public to view educator credentials.
If you have any additional questions, please use the support request form.
Activating Your Inactive Certification
An inactive Initial License will be issued to unemployed educators who are otherwise considered fully credentialed. When a holder of an inactive Initial License becomes employed in a Delaware public or charter school, his or her employer will submit an employment form to the Department and the Department will then issue the educator an active Initial License.
Comprehensive information regarding the requirements for initial licensure, conditions of issuance, and exceptions is detailed in 14 Del.C. §1210 Tier One – Initial Licensure.
Out-of-State Applicant Certification
If you are an educator who holds licensure in another state and wishes to apply for a Delaware License, you will need to register and apply online for Delaware licensure and certification. The License allows you to teach in Delaware, and the Certificate identifies the subject(s) you may teach.
This Out-of-State Applicant Certification page includes the following sections:
- License Overview
- Certificate Overview
- Registering for an Educator Account in DEEDS
- Non-refundable Fee for First Delaware License
- DEEDS Application Process Steps
- Reciprocity Definition
- Reciprocity in Special Education
- Holders of Credentials in Another Jurisdiction (Non-Delaware Credentials)
- Out-of-State Applicant Documentation Requirements
- Documentation Guidelines for Submission
- Out-of-State Certification Regulations
Applying for Delaware licensure and certification is a two-step process, in that you must hold both a License and at least one Certificate. The License authorizes you to work in a Delaware public/charter school, and the Certificate(s) identifies the area(s) in which you are authorized to teach.
Overview
Delaware defines “License” as a credential that authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued. A Delaware educator holds only one license; however, the license type depends
on experience as outlined below.
- Initial License: If you are a brand new educator or have more than one year but less than four
years of licensed teaching experience, you should apply for an Initial License. - Continuing License: If you have over four years of licensed teaching experience, you should
apply for a Continuing License. - Advanced License: If you have received National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
certification, you should apply for an Advanced License.
Continuing Education Requirement
The amount of continuing education (CE) that you are required to complete depends on when your
license was issued during the full licensure period. If this is your first renewal, and your license was
issued between:
- April 1 and September 30 of even-numbered years, you must complete 0 CE hours
- October 1 of odd-numbered years and March 31 of even-numbered years , you must complete 10 CE hours
- April 1 and September 30 of an odd-numbered year, you must complete 20 CE hours
- October 1 of even-numbered years and March 31 of odd-numbered years, you must complete 30
CE hours - Associate License holders are not required to complete CE. For complete information on the CE
requirements, see Section 12.2.2.1 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations.
Entering Continuing Education in the CE Tracker
Continuing Education (CE) is tracked in DELPROS, the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Service. To enter your CE, you must first create a DELPROS user account. Go to the DELPROS online portal, and then click on Apply/Manage a License and Service Requests. If you:
- are already an existing user, log in with your email address and password under the existing user
section. - have not yet created a DELPROS user account, click on Register.
After creating your user account or logging into the DELPROS online portal, you may begin entering your
CE.
- Click on the CONTINUING EDUCATION link in the dark blue banner at the top of the page
- Click on ADD COURSE button
- After choosing your profession, complete the other fields and click on SAVE
- You will get a message of Success if the information you entered was created successfully
- Click on CONTINUE to add more courses, upload documents, or delete entries if you made an error
When you are done, click on your Dashboard on the dark blue banner at the top of the page to renew your license or choose another service.
Education Resources in Delaware
Learn about the top education resources throughout New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. Resource lists include education programs, public schools, private schools, early education centers, and other amazing education resources. Dial 211, then Press 4, to speak with an education specialist over the phone.
Search Delaware’s largest online database for Out of School programs, camps & fun!
- Academic Support & Enrichment
- Arts & Culture
- Career Awareness & Exploration
- Community Service, Volunteerism & Civic Engagement
- Leadership & Character Development
- Mentoring
- Outdoor & Environmental Education
- Religious & Faith-based
- Special Interests & Hobbies
- Sports, Health & Wellness
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
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