TITLE

Letter of Authorization

HISTORY

Initiated in 1971; revised in 1998. Will be revised in 2003 to meet reporting requirements under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002.

MOTIVATION

Shortage; a fully licensed person cannot be found.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

All

WHO OPERATES

USOE

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM

After the supply of qualified, licensed teachers has been exhausted, a local school district may apply for a Letter of Authorization from the State School Board to employ a particular person to fill a specified position on a temporary basis. The Candidate agrees to complete the requirements for licensure within a four year period.

A bachelor's degree.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Authorization to teach will be granted on a temporary basis. Individuals provide an acceptable recommendation from the local school district and a deficiency statement from a State Office of Education Curriculum Specialist or an educator preparation institution indicating how the requirements for licensing will be met. Approval is granted by the State Board of Education.

WHO EVALUATES

Educator Preparation, Institution or USOE Curriculum Specialist.

LENGTH OF TIME

Issued on a year-by-year basis.

The completion of the requirements may not extend beyond four years.