Alternative Authorization - Content Specialist

It allows a person to be a teacher of record while completing a preparation program.

This alternative authorization allows a local education agency to request an interim certificate for an individual who possesses distinct content knowledge and skills to teach in a content area of need.

This alternative authorization allows a local education agency to request an interim certificate for an individual who possesses distinct content knowledge and skills to teach in a content area are of need. The individual teacher receives a 3-year interim certificate.

Supervised clinical experience or mentoring is a required component.

Alternative Authorization -- Content Specialist.

This alternative authorization allows a local education agency to request an interim certificate for an individual who possesses distinct content knowledge and skills to teach in a content area.

a. Initial Qualifications.

i. A candidate must hold a baccalaureate degree or have completed all of the requirements of a

baccalaureate degree except the student teaching portion; and

ii. Prior to entering the classroom, the local education agency shall ensure the candidate is qualified to teach in the content area. The candidate shall meet or exceed the state qualifying score on the appropriate state board approved content or pedagogy assessment, including demonstration of content knowledge through a combination of employment, experience, and education.

b. State Board Approved Educator Preparation Program.

i. Prior to authorization, a consortium comprised of a state board-approved educator preparation

program representative, a local education agency representative, and the candidate shall determine the preparation needed and develop a plan to meet the Idaho Standards for Initial Certification of Professional School Personnel. The educator preparation program shall provide procedures to assess and credit: equivalent knowledge, dispositions, and relevant life or work experiences. The plan must include a state board-approved mentoring program. While teaching under the alternative authorization, the mentor shall provide a minimum of one (1) classroom observation per month,

which will include feedback and reflection. The plan must include annual progress goals that must be met for continued eligibility;

ii. The candidate must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credit hours or its equivalent of

accelerated study in education pedagogy prior to the end of the first year of authorization. The number of required credits will be specified in the consortium developed plan; and

iii. At the time of authorization the candidate must enroll in and work toward completion of the plan.

The candidate must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or equivalent annually to maintain eligibility for the interim certificate. The candidate must complete the plan to move to a standard instructional certificate.

c. Career Technical Education Industry-based Route Plan. Local education agencies with candidates

seeking a limited occupational specialist certification may request approval, with an approved division of career technical education alternative authorization route plan, to meet the program of study requirements.

Applicable certification areas require candidates to complete the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course/Assessment and Teaching Mathematical Thinking Course as applicable.