Alternative authorization allows a local education agency to request certification for a candidate. This authorization grants an interim certificate that allows individuals to serve as the teacher of record while pursuing standard certification. Evidence of satisfactory progress toward standard certification must be provided each year. Individuals who hold a current instructional certificate may obtain additional endorsements through an alternative authorization as prescribed in Subsection 021 of these rules. (4-6-23)
01.
Alternative Authorization -- Teacher to New Certification. This alternative authorization allows a local education agency to request additional certification for a candidate who already holds a current Idaho certificate in good standing to add an additional type of certificate in a new certification area. (4-6-23)
a. Prior to application, the candidate must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and a current and valid Idaho certificate. The local education agency must attest to the candidate's ability to fill the position. (3-15-22)
b. The candidate must participate in a state board- approved educator preparation program. (3-15-22)
i. The candidate will work toward completion of a state board-approved educator preparation program. The candidate must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits annually to maintain continued eligibility for the interim certificate; and (4-6-23)
ii. The participating educator preparation program shall provide procedures to assess and credit equivalent knowledge, dispositions, and relevant life/work experiences toward program completion requirements. (4-6-23)
02.
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. (4-6-23)
a. Initial Qualifications. (3-15-22)
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 (3-15-22)
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. (3-15-22)
b. State Board Approved Educator Preparation Program. (3-15-22)
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; (4-6-23)
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 (3-15-22)
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. (4-6-23)
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. (4-6-23)
03.
Alternative Authorization - Pupil Service Staff. This alternative authorization allows a local education agency to request interim certification and endorsement for a candidate when a position requiring the Pupil Service Staff Certificate cannot be filled. (4-6-23)
a. Initial Qualifications. The applicant must complete the following: (3-15-22)
i. Prior to application, a candidate must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher; and (3-15-22)
ii. The local education agency must attest to the ability of the candidate to fill the position. (3-15-22)
b. Educator Preparation Program. (3-15-22)
i. At the time of authorization the candidate must enroll in and work toward completion of a state board approved educator preparation program through a participating college or university and the local education agency. The educator preparation program must include annual progress goals. (4-6-23)
ii. The candidate must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or equivalent annually to maintain eligibility for the interim certificate. (4-6-23)
iii. The participating educator preparation program will provide procedures to assess and credit equivalent knowledge, dispositions, and relevant life/work experiences. (3-15-22)
iv. The candidate must meet all requirements for the endorsement/certificate as provided herein. (3-15-22)
