(a) The State Board of Education shall award, upon receipt of a proper application, a distinguished educator designation to any person who (1) has successfully completed not less than five years of teaching in a public school or private special education facility approved by the State Board of Education, (2) holds a professional educator certificate, pursuant to § 10-145b, (3) has additional, advanced education beyond a master’s degree from a degree or nondegree granting institution in areas to include, but not be limited to, mentorship or coaching of teachers, and (4) meets the performance requirements established by the Department of Education with consideration given to the demonstration of distinguished practice as validated by the department or an entity approved by the department.

(b) Such designation shall be renewed every five years after issuance upon the demonstration that such person meets performance requirements established by the department with consideration given to the demonstration of distinguished practice as validated by the department or an entity approved by the department.

(c) Upon application to the State Board of Education for the designation as a distinguished educator there shall be paid to the board by or on behalf of the applicant a nonrefundable fee of two hundred dollars. With each request for a duplicate copy of such designation there shall be paid to the board a nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars. The Commissioner of Education may, upon request by the applicant, waive any fee required under this subsection if the commissioner determines that the applicant is unable to pay such fee due to extenuating circumstances.