Me. Stat. tit. 20-A § 13012-B

Current through 131st (2023-2024) Legislature Chapter 684

Section 13012-B - Emergency teacher certificate and reciprocal professional certificate

Upon the identification of an educator staffing shortage in the State, the commissioner may issue emergency certificates to teachers, specialists and administrators in accordance with this section. The commissioner shall issue an emergency teacher certificate or reciprocal professional certificate to an applicant who meets the requirements of this section. The commissioner shall provide to an applicant who is not qualified information regarding any remaining requirements and other certification options available to the applicant. The commissioner may issue an emergency teacher certificate or reciprocal professional certificate under this section only to address the identified staffing shortage and only in a manner that ensures that the person issued an emergency teacher certificate or reciprocal professional certificate does not supplant an otherwise qualified and available teacher, specialist or administrator. [2021, c. 228, §2(NEW).]

1.Emergency teacher certificate. The commissioner may issue an emergency teacher certificate under this section to an applicant who has submitted to a criminal history background check and who:

A. Holds a 4-year postsecondary degree or the equivalent in work or academic experience; [2021, c. 228, §2(NEW).]

B. Is enrolled in an approved educator preparation program; or [2021, c. 228, §2(NEW).]

C. Holds a certification as an education technician III issued according to rules of the department pursuant to section 13019-H, except that an emergency education technician III is not eligible for an emergency teacher certificate under this paragraph. [2023, c. 200, §1(AMD).]

A teacher holding an emergency teacher certificate shall participate in a mentoring program provided by the department or a school administrative unit. A certificate issued pursuant to this subsection is issued for a one-year period and no more than 3 emergency teacher certificates may be issued per applicant.

[2023, c. 200, §1(AMD).]

2.Reciprocal professional certificate. The commissioner may issue a reciprocal professional certificate pursuant to this section to a teacher, specialist or administrator who has submitted to a criminal history background check and holds a comparable certificate in another state, the District of Columbia, a United States territory or another country. A certificate issued pursuant to this subsection is issued for a 5-year period.

[2021, c. 228, §2(NEW).]

20-A M.R.S. § 13012-B

Amended by 2023SP1, c. 200,§ 1, eff. 10/25/2023.

Added by 2021SP1, c. 228,§ 2, eff. 6/16/2021.