The Guam Legislature on Thursday amended and advanced Bill 199-38 COR, a measure to establish a lifetime teaching certificate for educators with long service, to the third-reading file. Sponsor remarks emphasized recognizing teachers with 25 or more years of service while retaining accountability measures.

"This bill isn't just about a certificate. It's about recognizing a lifelong commitment," the bill's sponsor said, outlining requirements for periodic professional development and regular evaluation. The sponsor also said the certification would be revoked if a holder violates the professional code of conduct.

During floor debate, a senator proposed an amendment to allow recently retired educators whose certifications lapsed to be eligible for lifetime status. The amendment originally proposed a five-year eligibility window; after discussion about reentry barriers and examples of retirees wanting to return, the Legislature approved changing that window to 10 years by voice/hand vote.

The Guam Commission for Educator Certification (GCEC) provided context in committee: the commission oversees roughly 3,000 Guam educators who hold about 5,000 certificates, and it supports implementation with safeguards such as requiring continuing professional development and periodic evaluations. The bill as amended preserves those safeguards: lifetime certification recipients must participate in professional development and the Guam teacher evaluation program, and the commission may require additional activities prior to issuance.

Supporters framed the measure as a retention tool amid teacher shortages and rising burnout; supporters also noted modest fiscal impacts for a subset of teachers who otherwise would have paid periodic renewal fees (one floor comment referenced renewal fees of about $150). Opponents or cautious speakers urged ensuring reentry training and keeping high standards for fast-evolving subject areas.

With several senators added as cosponsors by unanimous consent, the Legislature placed Bill 199-38 COR, as amended on the floor, into the third-reading file. The bill will next appear on the third-reading calendar for a final vote.