WHY IS THERE NO LICENSURE FOR EDUCATION ADVOCATES?
Education Advocacy is NOT a LICENSED profession.
Overview of Education Advocacy
- Unlicensed Profession: Education advocacy is currently not a licensed profession. There are no government regulations overseeing advocates in this field.
Board Certification
- Voluntary Certification: Many related professions, such as mediators and personal trainers, offer voluntary national board certifications. These certifications provide credentials but do not equate to licensure.
- Example Professions:
- Nationally Board Certified Mediators
- Nationally Board Certified Personal Trainers (ACE-CPT)
- Nationally Board Certified Special Education Professionals (B.C.S.E.)
Role of National Associations
- Professional Development: Organizations like the Independent Education Consultants Association (IECA) and the National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI) exist to promote standards, ethics, and professional behavior within education advocacy.
- Certification Process: NSEAI offers board certification for education advocates, aiming to elevate the profession and potentially pursue future licensure.
Historical Context
- Certification Before Licensure: Many professions, such as medicine, established certification processes before seeking government licensure. This historical precedent illustrates the value of professional standards.
Future of Education Advocacy
- Potential for Licensure: As the field evolves, NSEAI aims to fill gaps and advocate for future licensure, but currently focuses on board certification for education advocates.
Key Takeaway
- Starting Your Business: As you set up your independent education advocacy business, consider pursuing board certification to enhance credibility and align with professional standards in an unregulated industry.