TITLE

Special Institute for Teacher Certification

HISTORY

Legislation approved in 1986.

MOTIVATION

The program was originally initiated in anticipation of projected teacher shortages, to recruit and support individuals seeking certification in areas identified as "critical needs.".

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

All areas identified by the state as "critical needs": currently the sciences, mathematics, foreign languages, English, technology education, business education, library/media specialists, reading specialists and special education.

WHO OPERATES

Governed by the State Board of Education which makes the rules and regulations for the program, and the University of Delaware which administers the Institute.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

A bachelor's degree in a "critical needs" subject area and passing scores on Praxis I.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The state reimburses the tuition costs of participants taking courses required for teacher certification in designated "critical needs" areas. Includes a loan forgiveness provision for those who teach in Delaware upon completion of certification.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Depends on the requirements set by the graduate program the candidate is enrolled in; sometimes on transcript analysis completed by the Department of Education Office of Professional Standards and Certification.

WHO EVALUATES

Delaware Department of Education.

LENGTH OF TIME

Varies according to number of credits needed for certification.