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Educator renewals the second highest on state record
Educator endorsements also remain steady
CONCORD, NH — In New Hampshire, the number of educators renewing their teaching credentials in 2024 was the second highest on record.
As of this week, the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has renewed 8,815 educators in 2024, which is the second-highest number of annual renewals. The highest number of educators renewing their credentials in the history of the state occurred in 2022 with a record number of 9,431, and in 2023 there were 8,670 annual renewals – the third highest on record. Among these renewals, the average number of individual endorsements per educator is 1.4.
“We continue to see an upward trend in the number of educator renewals taking place statewide. And it is not only a near-record number of educators seeking renewal, but they are also adding endorsements, resulting in a broadening of their skills and flexibility as a workforce. Teachers in the Granite State are completing professional development requirements, opting to continue their education and, in some cases, increasing their employability,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner.
New Hampshire supports numerous pathways to licensure for applicants beyond the traditional college or university state-approved educator licensure program. It also provides an opportunity for applicants to complete their licensure competencies while employed in the role through a Site-Based Licensing Plan. This pathway allows three years to meet all New Hampshire licensing requirements while working under an Intern Authorization. Applicants may also demonstrate competencies prior to employment in the role through experience under an out-of-state license, transcript analysis, national/regional licensure or by submitting a portfolio to an oral board.
NHED continues to experience a high number of individuals holding administrator endorsements. Currently, there are 389 individuals holding valid superintendent endorsements, 2,294 individuals holding valid principal endorsements and 470 individuals holding special education administrator endorsements.
Endorsements for education specialists also remain high with 1,323 individuals holding valid school counselor endorsements and 427 individuals holding school psychologist endorsements.
While some endorsement areas remain strong, other areas reveal far fewer endorsements. For comparison, New Hampshire has 831 valid reading writing specialist endorsements, but just 37 elementary math specialists. In addition, the state has 1,008 valid upper-level math teacher endorsements, but only 479 mid-level math teacher endorsements.
The Critical Shortage List, which is an analysis of the teacher supply and demand in New Hampshire, is based on input from school leaders across the state. The list has shown consistent improvement in recent years. There are currently 21 out of 54 endorsements that have been identified as critical staffing shortage areas in the state, which does not include paraprofessionals or substitute teachers – a substantial improvement from the 50 identified endorsements on the critical shortage list in 2019.
