For any and all who are interested, this is an email I got from the Certification, Assignment, & Waivers Division of the California Commision on Teacher Credentialing regarding what to do if my credential were to expire.

With the signing into law of SB1209 on September 28, 2006, professional growth requirements are no longer a prerequisite to credential renewal.

Under SB1209, local school districts are directed to encourage their teachers to participate in professional growth activities. Thus, this is now a local employment issue, not a credentialing issue.

The only time the Commission will require professional growth documentation is if you are the holder of a Child Development Permit. Otherwise, effective immediately, the Commission will no longer be requesting verification of professional growth requirements (including clock hours and days of service) when renewing your teaching or services credentials.

With these new regulations in place, it will no longer be necessary for you to file for a two year extension of your credential to complete fulfillment of any requirements, since these will no longer be considered by the Commission. Thus, when you are ready to renew your
document, you may do so for the full five years.

Please note this from the CCTC web site:

“Effective January 1, 2007, the Commission will require all clear, professional, and professional clear credential holders to renew their Credentials online. See Official (Coded) Correspondence 06-0011 for more information.”

The information formerly printed in the Professional Growth Manual is now out of date. For further information on this and other recent changes that may affect you, please consult the Commission web site or the Main Credential Information Page.

Thank you for contacting the Commission.

David Crable
Information Services
Certification, Assignment, & Waivers Division

So it looks like all you have to do to renew is pay your money, no hours or teaching days required! Sounds good to me.