The educators have until Dec. 31 to get their PD, academic credits recognized
Posted: October 1, 2025
After years of relying on outdated guidance that was out of compliance with state law and often left teachers confused, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) has finally issued new procedures for teachers moving from charter schools into HIDOE positions.
The prior rules, dating back more than a decade, required steps and forms that frequently caused problems and misunderstandings for educators. The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association consistently flagged these issues, advocating for clear and fair processes that protect the rights of teachers as they transition from employment with a public charter school to HIDOE schools.
As a result of advocacy by the HSTA, the HIDOE issued a memo that not only updates these procedures but also creates a one-time window through the end of 2025 for HIDOE teachers who formerly taught at Hawaiʻi charter schools to gain recognition for previous academic and professional development credits that can be used to reclassify and increase their pay.
Over the past several years, both student enrollment and teacher employment in charter schools have grown. With that growth, the HSTA has seen an increase in complex questions regarding teachers’ rights when transitioning between HIDOE and charter schools.
Recognizing these challenges, HSTA has consistently pushed HIDOE to update its procedures to ensure greater consistency and equity for Bargaining Unit 05 teachers who leave charter schools and transition into HIDOE positions.
On Sept. 25, HIDOE issued a new memo with updated rules and guidance for teachers in these situations, announcing a one-time corrective window for educators from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. The HSTA encourages HIDOE teachers with prior Hawaiʻi charter school service to take advantage of this time-limited provision, which allows recognition of credits earned while employed at a public charter school to be used towards HIDOE reclassification.
HSTA Executive Director Andrea Eshelman acknowledged and thanked HSTA Kauaʻi UniServ Director Judy Ryan, who played a crucial role in helping to craft the memo creating a fairer process for HIDOE teachers who previously served in charter schools.
“In her four years as a UniServ, Judy has built deep knowledge of charter school issues and strong collaborative relationships with charter administrators and teachers. Her ability to identify problems and develop workable solutions within the unique charter environment has made her one of our subject matter experts in this area,” Eshelman said.
How to apply for the credit recognition window (for teachers previously employed at a charter school):
HIDOE teachers with prior Hawaiʻi charter school service who want their unused credits recognized must submit documentation between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025.
Required documents include:
- DOE OTM 600-008 Verification of Employment
- DOE OTM 200-005 Teacher Reclassification/Update Request Form (for university/college credits)
- DOE OTM 200-005(PD) Teacher Request Form (for DOE professional development credits)
- Official university or college transcripts (campus reports are not accepted)
Submission options:
By mail:
Hawai‘i State Department of Education
Office of Talent Management
Teacher Reclassification Unit
P.O. Box 2360
Honolulu, HI 96804
By email: teacher.reclassification@k12.hi.us
Questions? Call HIDOE’s Teacher Reclassification Unit at (808) 441-8383.