Distinguished educator designation.

(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.