November 19, 2012

Dr. John King, Commissioner

New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234

Dear Commissioner King,

The New York Charter Schools Association supports efforts to improve alternative
certification reciprocity for all teachers. Under current regulations, teachers arriving in New
York with an out-of-state alternative certificate and fewer than three years of teaching experience
do not receive automatic reciprocity. This results in many qualified candidates enrolling in a
second certification program at considerable time and expense. Worse, if the teaching
candidates cannot be hired as uncertified staff, the result often is the permanent loss of talent.
Charter schools across the state are frustrated by this challenge.

The solution to this problem includes amending Commissioners Regulation (8 NYCRR
80-1.10) to clarify that an alternative teaching certificate from another state represents equivalent
study to the approved programs located within New York. NYCSA welcomes the chance to
provide feedback on any proposed changes the State Education Department and the Board of
Regents consider.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Sincerely,



Bill Phillips, President

cc: Sally Bachofer, Assistant Commissioner