Code of Maine Rules, Part II, Section 071-115-II-2 - TEACHERS AND EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS: SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS | Code of Maine Rules

2.1 Endorsement 282: Teacher of Children with Disabilities

A. Function: This endorsement on a teacher certificate allows the holder to teach children with disabilities and to consult with teachers, children, and parents/guardians. The endorsement specifies the applicable grade levels: birth to school age 5, kindergarten through grade 8, or grades 7 through 12.

B. Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this endorsement shall be established by one of two pathways. Individuals who are not eligible through either pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with 2.1.B.3 and 2.1.B.4, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 1

(a) Graduated from a Maine program approved for teachers of children with disabilities birth to school age 5, kindergarten through grade 8, or grades 7 through 12, together with a formal recommendation from the preparing institution;

(b) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule; and

(c) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom.

2. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 2

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Completed a minimum of 24 semester hours in special education with three courses (at least three semester hours each) in the following areas: evaluation and assessment, specially designed instruction (SDI), and reading instruction, including phonemic awareness and phonics using evidence-based practices.

Additionally, at least one course (at least three semester hours) must address one of the following areas: Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusion and least restrictive environment (LRE), types of disabilities, program planning, behavior intervention and supports, special education law and implementation.

The remaining semester hours must come from the above list or other special education courses.

(c) For the birth to school age 5 grade level, completed a minimum of three semester hours for teaching early childhood special education;

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today's classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods);

(e) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in human development, educational psychology, developmental psychology, adolescent psychology, or child development;

(f) Passed basic skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics, in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13, or

achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all courses required for the certification, or

completed a successful portfolio review demonstrating competency in Maine's Initial Teacher Standards; and

(g) Completed one academic semester or a minimum of 15 weeks of full-time student teaching, or a combination of part-time and full-time student teaching in an amount equivalent to 15 weeks in this endorsement area at the specified grade level: birth to school age 5, kindergarten through grade 8, or grades 7 through 12. This requirement shall be waived upon completion of one full year of successful teaching under a conditional certificate in this endorsement area at the specified grade level.

NOTE: Section 2.1. B.2.f, above, does not apply to this endorsement for birth to age 5.

3. Conditional Certificate for this Endorsement

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Completed a minimum of nine semester hours in special education; and

(c) In the first year of employment, be enrolled in a Maine approved program for mentoring teachers under a Conditional Certificate for a special education endorsement.

4. Conditional Certificate for Endorsement: Educational Technician III to Teacher of Children with Disabilities

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Completed a minimum of three years of experience as an Educational Technician III with positive evaluations from administrator(s);

(c) Employed as a special education classroom teacher and received positive evaluations annually from a school administrator;

(d) Accepted into a post-baccalaureate or graduate program in special education at an accredited university program;

(e) Maintained good standing in the program (e.g., grades, cumulative GPA, successful academic progress); and

(f) In the first year of employment, be enrolled in a Maine approved program for mentoring teachers under a Conditional Certificate for a special education endorsement.

2.2 Endorsement: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 Teacher

A. Function: This endorsement on a teacher certificate allows the holder to teach students pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in one of the following endorsement areas: 286 teacher of students with severe disabilities, 291 teacher of students with visual impairments, or 292 teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

B. Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this endorsement shall be established by one of two pathways. Individuals who are not eligible through either pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 2.2. B.3, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 1

(a) Graduated from a Maine program approved for the education of pre-kindergarten through 12 teachers, together with a formal recommendation from the preparing institution for the endorsement being sought;

(b) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule; and

(c) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom.

2. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 2

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Completed a minimum of 24 semester hours in special education with three courses (at least three semester hours each) in the following areas: evaluation and assessment, specially designed instruction (SDI), and reading instruction, including phonemic awareness and phonics using evidence-based practices;

At least one course (at least three semester hours) must address one of the following areas: Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusion and least restrictive environment (LRE), types of disabilities, program planning, behavior intervention and supports, special education law and implementation. The remaining semester hours must come from the above list or other special education courses.

(c) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today's classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods);

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in human development, educational psychology, developmental psychology, adolescent psychology, or child development;

(e) Passed content area methods course;

(f) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom;

(g) Passed basic skills test in reading, writing and mathematics in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13, or

achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all courses required for the certification, or

completed a successful portfolio review demonstrating competency in Maine's Initial Teacher Standards; and

(h) Completed one academic semester or a minimum of 15 weeks of full-time student teaching, or a combination of part-time and full-time student teaching in an amount equivalent to 15 weeks in the endorsement area at the specified grade level. This requirement shall be waived upon completion of one full year of successful teaching under a conditional certificate in the endorsement area at the specified grade level.

3. Conditional Certificate for this Endorsement

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Completed a minimum of 24 semester hours in the areas relevant to the endorsement being sought; and

(c) In the first year of employment, be enrolled in a Maine approved program for mentoring teachers under a Conditional Certificate for a special education endorsement.

2.3 Endorsement 515: Adapted Physical Education Teacher

A. Function: This endorsement on a teacher certificate allows the holder to teach adapted physical education pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

B. Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this endorsement shall be established by one of three pathways. Individuals who are not eligible through any of these pathways may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 2.3. B.4, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 1

(a) Graduated from a Maine program approved for the education of adapted physical education teachers, together with a formal recommendation of the preparing institution; and

(b) Earned at least bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule.

2. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 2

(a) Hold a valid Maine professional teaching certificate with a pre-kindergarten through 12 physical education endorsement;

(b) Completed a supervised practicum in adapted physical education; and

(c) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom.

3. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 3

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours from the following: anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, physiology of exercise, motor development, or motor learning;

(c) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in adapted physical education;

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in assessment of adapted physical education;

(e) Completed a supervised practicum in adapted physical education;

(f) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom; and

(g) Passed basic skills test in reading, writing and mathematics in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13, or

achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all courses required for the certification, or

completed a successful portfolio review demonstrating competency in Maine's Initial Teacher Standards.

4. Conditional Certificate for this Endorsement

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this

(b) Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours from the following: anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, physiology of exercise, motor development, motor learning, adapted physical education, or assessment of adapted physical education.

2.4 Endorsement 690: Gifted/Talented Teacher

A. Function: This endorsement on a teacher certificate allows the holder to teach gifted/talented students pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

B. Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this endorsement shall be established by one of three pathways. Individuals who are not eligible through any of these pathways may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 2.4. B.4, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 1

(a) Graduated from a Maine program approved for the education of gifted/talented teachers, together with a formal recommendation from the preparing institution for the endorsement being sought;

(b) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule; and

(c) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom.

2. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 2

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Holds a valid Maine professional teaching certificate with a pre-K-3, K-6, 5-8, 6-12, or pre-K-12 endorsement;

(c) Completed a minimum of 12 credits of approved study in gifted/talented coursework, including a minimum of 6 semester hours from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule; the remaining credits may be earned through a combination of Continuing Education Units, in-service clock hours, or clock hours for summer institutes/workshops; and

(d) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom.

3. Endorsement Eligibility Pathway 3

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Completed a minimum of 24 semester hours in gifted/talented coursework;

(c) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today's classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods);

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in human development, educational psychology, developmental psychology, adolescent psychology, or child development;

(e) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom;

(f) Passed basic skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics, in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13, or achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all courses required for the certification, or completed a successful portfolio review demonstrating competency in Maine's Initial Teacher Standards; and

(g) Completed one academic semester or a minimum of 15 weeks of full-time student teaching, or a combination of part-time and full-time student teaching in an amount equivalent to 15 weeks in this endorsement area at the specified grade level. This requirement shall be waived upon completion of one full year of successful teaching under a conditional certificate in this endorsement area at the specified grade level.

4. Conditional Certificate for this Endorsement

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule; and

(b) Completed a minimum of 24 semester hours in gifted/talented coursework.

2.5 Certificate 093: School Psychologist (Specialist or Doctoral)

A. Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as a School Psychologist and deliver services on a contractual or employment basis to children from birth to grade 12 who are eligible to be enrolled in educational and intermediate educational units, special education programs and approved private schools. Certificate holders are identified in written title according to their level of graduate training (School Psychologist - Specialist or School Psychologist - Doctoral). The services delivered are the psychological services articulated in current Federal and Maine State Education regulations and under the domains of practice in the current Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services developed and published by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Each certificate holder shall deliver services consistent within the competencies of their training and adhere to the ethical guidelines of the NASP.

B. Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. Eligibility for this certificate shall be established by one of four pathways listed below. Applicants who meet the criteria established by one of the four pathways below shall minimally be eligible for an initial 1-year school psychologist certificate. Applicants with one or more years of experience employed as a credentialed school psychologist in another jurisdiction shall be eligible for a 3-year school psychologist certificate provided that they:

(a) Provide evidence of at least 1 year of post-graduate mentorship or supervision in accordance with standards established by the NASP; and

(b) Receive a positive recommendation from the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists.

1. Certificate Eligibility Pathway 1

(a) Hold a current Nationally Certified School Psychologist certificate issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board;

(b) Provide two references from credentialed school psychologists who have reviewed the professional work provided by the applicant;

(c) Receive a positive recommendation from the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists; and

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today's classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods).

2. Certificate Eligibility Pathway 2

(a) Earned a graduate degree from an accredited college or university offering a program in school psychology approved by the NASP or the Maine Department of Education at the time the degree was awarded;

(b) Provide two references from credentialled school psychologists who have reviewed the professional work provided by the applicant;

(c) Receive a positive recommendation from the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists; and

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today's classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods).

3. Certificate Eligibility Pathway 3

(a) Hold a valid license from the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists with demonstrated competency in the area of school psychology through training and experience that is substantially equivalent to that required in Section 2.7. B.1, 2, or 4;

(b) Provide two references from credentialed school psychologists who have reviewed the professional work provided by the applicant;

(c) Receive a positive recommendation from the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists; and

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today's classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods).

4. Certificate Eligibility Pathway 4

(a) Earned a graduate degree with a concentration in school psychology from an accredited college or university or a program accredited by the American Psychological Association, which included:

i. A minimum of 3 years of full-time study or equivalent at the graduate level, inclusive of structured field experiences;

ii. At least 60 graduate semester hours;

iii. A program of study that addressed the knowledge and practice competencies across all domains in the Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services developed by the NASP or, for those who graduated prior to the implementation of the Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services, a program of study in school psychology supplemented with continued professional development and a portfolio to evidence competencies across domains; and

iv. A supervised internship experience taken for academic credit with a minimum of 1200 clock hours, including a minimum of 600 hours in a school setting, completed across 1 academic year on a full-time basis or 2 consecutive academic years on a half-time basis; and

(b) Provide two references from credentialled school psychologists who have reviewed the professional work provided by the applicant;

(c) Receive a positive recommendation from the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists; and

(d) Completed a minimum of three semester hours in diversity-centered content related to today's classroom (e.g., culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, intercultural education, second language acquisition or world language teaching methods).

C. Renewal Requirements

1. Transition of an initial one-year school psychologist certificate to the first three-year school psychologist certificate for applicants who have not previously had 1 or more years of experience employed as a credentialed school psychologist in another jurisdiction shall require:

(a) Evidence of supervision during the first year of independent practice that adheres to supervision standards established by the NASP or a successor organization and:

i. Is provided by a 093 Certificate holder with a minimum of 3 years of experience;

ii. Is provided individually for 1 hour per week for the duration of a full academic year;

iii. Includes individualized goals established through a supervision agreement (supervision does not require the supervisor to maintain responsibility or liability for the school psychological services delivered by the supervisee); and

iv. Adheres to student privacy and confidentiality laws; and

(b) A positive recommendation from the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists.

2. Renewal of a three-year school psychologist certificate shall require the applicant to:

(a) Hold a valid and current Nationally Certified School Psychologist certificate issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board; or

(b) A valid and current license issued by the Board of Examiners of Psychologists of Maine; or

(c) Provide evidence of 75 hours of continuing professional development during the last three years, consistent with current Nationally Certified School Psychologist certificate renewal standards and audit guidelines to be verified by the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists.

Code of Maine Rules05 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION071 - EDUCATION - GENERALChapter 115 - THE CREDENTIALING OF EDUCATION PERSONNELPart II - Requirements for Specific Certificates and EndorsementsSection 071-115-II-2 - TEACHERS AND EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS: SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS