The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) has yet to create an approval process for private schools and their supporting organizations to offer Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CCDEI) clock hours. While the Cultural Competence Standards—approved in 2023—are required for teacher and administrator certificate renewal, the delay restricts WA State-certified private school educators from accessing necessary professional development without the additional costs and logistical challenges of attending public sector sessions.
Approved private school clock-hour providers are authorized to provide training for all other WA State certification renewal requirements. They are already integrating the CCDEI standards into their professional development seminars. Establishing the approval process will ensure private school teachers can access in-house CCDEI professional development, maintain their WA State teaching license, and provide their students with equitable, inclusive education in their parents’ chosen school community.
