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Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal

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Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal

Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal

A Delaware teaching certificate is an official license issued by the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) that authorizes educators to teach in public and charter schools across the state. Like most professional credentials, it must be renewed periodically to remain valid. Renewal ensures that educators stay current with teaching practices, professional ethics, and state standards.

Table of contents

This guide is designed for Delaware public, charter, and private school teachers who need to renew their certification or prepare for upcoming deadlines. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or new to the state, understanding the Delaware teaching certificate renewal process is essential to maintaining your eligibility for employment and avoiding administrative delays.

Do You Need to Renew Your Delaware Teaching Certificate?

Yes, educators must renew their Delaware teaching certificates to continue teaching legally. Types of Delaware teaching certificates requiring renewal include:

  • Standard Certificates
  • Advanced License
  • Emergency Certificates

Renewal vs. Reinstatement

Renewal applies to an active or soon-to-expire certificate. Reinstatement, on the other hand, applies to certificates that have already expired. Reinstatement usually involves additional steps, such as background verification or re-application, depending on when the lapse occurred.

Educators should monitor their expiration date via the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS) to avoid moving into reinstatement territory.

Generally, teaching certificates need to be renewed every five years. It's essential to distinguish between renewal and reinstatement; renewal applies when your certificate is still valid, while reinstatement is required if your certificate has expired.

For more information, consider reviewing the Delaware teaching certificate types.

Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal Requirements

Renewing your Delaware teaching license involves meeting specific professional development, employment, and compliance criteria.

Professional Development Requirements

To renew your Delaware teaching certificate, you must complete a specific number of professional development hours. Currently, educators are required to complete 90 hours of professional development every five years. Acceptable activities include:

  • District- or state-approved workshops and seminars

  • Graduate-level education courses (at least one credit hour = 15 clock hours)

  • Mentoring, coaching, or leadership activities approved by the DOE

  • Verified professional learning communities

Approved providers of professional development in Delaware include universities, the Delaware DOE, and various educational organizations. Keep documentation of your completed hours, as you will need to upload them during the renewal process.

Documentation needed:

  • Certificates of completion or transcripts

  • District or DOE verification forms

  • Signed supervisor documentation (if applicable)

Employment & Experience Requirements

While not all educators need teaching experience to renew their certificates, you may need to demonstrate your employment status if you are a new teacher. Different requirements may apply for public versus private school teachers, so it's vital to check your specific eligibility.

Background Check or Compliance Updates

A new background check is not usually required for renewal if one was completed during your last license term. However, the DOE may request an updated check if new compliance laws or concerns arise. Educators must maintain ethical conduct and be free from disciplinary action to remain eligible for renewal.

How to Renew a Delaware Teaching Certificate (Step-by-Step)

  1. Create or log in to your Delaware DOE educator account.

  2. Verify your certificate status and expiration date.
  3. Upload professional development documentation.
  4. Complete the renewal application.
  5. Pay the Delaware teaching certificate renewal fee.
  6. Submit and track your application status.

Following these steps will ensure a smooth renewal process.

To renew a Delaware Continuing License (valid for 5 years), educators must complete 90 clock hours of professional development, with at least 45 hours focused on student/staff work. Applications are submitted online through the DEEDS portal (accessed via EdAccess/Classlink) 6 months before expiration.

Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal Fees

The current renewal fee for a Delaware teaching certificate is $50 and $100, depending on the classification of your certificate and the services required.

Accepted payment methods:

  • Credit or debit card via DEEDS portal

  • Electronic funds transfer (EFT)

Be aware of the refund policy: fees are generally non-refundable. Some districts offer employer reimbursement for renewal or PD costs—check with your HR department for eligibility.

How Long Does Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal Take?

The average processing time for Delaware teaching certificate renewal is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. To avoid delays, be mindful of peak renewal periods, which typically occur at the end of the school year. You can check your application status through your DOE educator account. If you encounter any issues, reach out to the Delaware DOE for assistance.

What Happens If Your Delaware Teaching Certificate Expires?

If your certificate expires, you may have a grace period of up to 30 days to renew without penalty. However, an expired certificate may impact your employment, as you cannot legally teach until it is renewed. If your certificate has lapsed for more than 30 days, you will need to complete the reinstatement process.

Reinstating an Expired Delaware Teaching Certificate

To reinstate an expired certificate, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, which may include additional professional development hours or compliance documentation. The fees and processing time for reinstatement can differ from standard renewal, so it’s essential to review the Delaware DOE guidelines carefully.

Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal for Out-of-State Teachers

Delaware streamlines license renewal for out-of-state teachers through reciprocity if they hold a valid, active license and have at least four years of experience. Applicants must use the DEEDS online system to apply, submit official transcripts, pass required tests, and verify experience via Form E. 

Key Renewal & Reciprocity Requirements

  • Active License: The out-of-state license must be current. If it expires, the issuing state must verify it was valid during the service period.

  • Experience-Based Licensing: Teachers with 4+ years of experience may receive a Continuing License (5-year validity). Those with less experience receive an Initial License.

  • Professional Development: Renewal requires 90 clock hours of approved professional development, with at least 45 hours focused on student/staff work.

  • Mentoring: Teachers new to Delaware with out-of-state experience must complete a mentoring program in their first year.

  • Application Process: All applications are processed through the DEEDS portal. 

Steps for Out-of-State Teachers

  1. Register in DEEDS: Create an account in the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS).

  2. Submit Documentation: Provide official transcripts, exam scores, a copy of the current license, and Form E (verification of experience).

  3. Mentoring Requirement: If you have been out of the profession for less than five years, you must complete an approved mentoring program within the first year of employment.

  4. License Renewal: If already holding a DE license, click "Renew My License/Permit" in DEEDS, which appears 6 months before expiration. 

If a license has expired for more than five years, the educator must reapply for an Initial License.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your Delaware Teaching Certificate

To ensure a smooth renewal process, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Missing deadlines for renewal submission.
  • Uploading incorrect or incomplete documentation.
  • Not tracking your renewal status regularly.
  • Waiting until just before expiration to start the renewal process.

Delaware Department of Education Contact Information

If you have questions or issues regarding your certificate renewal, you can contact the official Delaware DOE certification office. The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) provides multiple ways to get in touch depending on your specific needs. As of January 2025, Cynthia Marten serves as the Secretary of Education. 

General Contact Information

Use these contacts for questions about your DEEDS account, application updates, or documentation verification.

Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal FAQs

How often do you renew a teaching certificate in Delaware?

You need to renew your Delaware teaching certificate every five years.

Can I renew my Delaware teaching certificate online?

Yes, you can renew your certificate through your Delaware DOE educator account online.

What professional development counts for renewal?

Accepted professional development includes workshops, graduate courses, and participation in professional learning communities.

Is there a late fee for Delaware teacher license renewal?

While there is typically a grace period, fees are non-refundable if submitted late.

Can I teach with an expired Delaware teaching certificate?

No, you cannot legally teach with an expired certificate.

Final Thoughts on Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal

Staying current with Delaware Teaching Certificate Renewal requirements protects your career and ensures uninterrupted eligibility to teach. By tracking your expiration date, completing professional development early, and submitting your application on time, you can avoid unnecessary stress and delays.

If you’re balancing renewal with exam preparation or certification upgrades, staying organized is key. With the right planning and reliable guidance, maintaining your Delaware educator credential can be a smooth and manageable process—letting you focus on what you do best: educating Delaware’s students.