But to earn permanent certification they would have to obtain a master's degree in their substantive field within five years.

But why should only the nontenured teachers have to prove themselves worthy of permanent certification?

However NYS no longer offers permanent certification to those who haven't already been certified by February 2004.

In addition, they will have to accumulate three years of teaching experience and earn a master's degree to get permanent certification.

New York is one of 10 states that still give permanent certification to teachers.

The change was intended to insure that uncertified teachers, many of whom have not completed the required education courses needed for permanent certification, were adequately supervised.

(For permanent certification, teachers must get a master's degree by the end of their fifth year.)

After completing the program in June 2003, they will be eligible for permanent certification.

The fellows get temporary certification after passing two state exams, then work toward permanent certification in graduate classes paid for by the Board of Education.

By 2003, the 16,000 teachers statewide who have temporary licenses will have to obtain permanent certification or leave the classroom.