By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

GUAM Public School System Superintendent Luis Reyes has reminded public school teachers that they could lose their jobs if they do not obtain recertification.
Reyes said a Guam Education Policy Board policy requires teachers to get recertification or they will be relieved of their education duties.
“Approximately 88 letters (of recertification) were sent out to teachers and one to a school administrator. At least two came in and turned in their transcripts to update their files,” said Reyes.
Reyes also stated that the Dr. Antonio C. Yamashita Educators Corps at the University of Guam has funding available to teachers and school administrators to take the program’s Educators Recertification Courses.
According to the Yamashita Corps Web site, the application checklist includes a two-part application form, a verification of employment with the Guam Public School System, a copy of the educator’s latest certificate of professional certification, a certificate of eligibility from the GPSS certification office, a statement of admission and acceptance from the University of Guam or Guam Community College, and a course review form for courses to be taken.
The application must be submitted, formally, not less than 30 days prior to the start of the semester in which the educator/school administrator will be taking the courses.
“Program support will come in the form of coverage for up to six credits, for both tuition and fees with the addition of a pro-rated book allowance of up to $125,” according to the Web site.
“All allowances for tuition and fees are not to exceed those charged by the University of Guam for similar courses. Pre-payments will be made for pre-approved courses taken at the University of Guam or Guam Community College,” it adds.
Qualified applicants are to show proof, by way of official transcript, of successful and satisfactory completion of coursework.
According to GEPB board chair Peter Alexcis Ada, there are numerous other organizations on island that have the credited courses needed for a teacher to certify or recertify themselves.