TITLE

Eminence or Special Qualification Authorization

HISTORY

Initiated about 1975; revised in 1989. Will be revised in 2003 to meet reporting requirements under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002 for teachers teaching in core academic subject areas.

MOTIVATION

To employ an individual who has not been through a traditional teacher education program, but who is recognized as an expert in his/her field or is otherwise well-qualified for a particular assignment. Example: an actor or actress, artist, musician, scientist or other person who has achieved prominence or outstanding qualification, but who could not qualify for a teaching license.

 

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

Areas of recognized expertise.

1. Eminence is defined as "Distinguished superiority as compared with others in rank, status, character, and attainment or superior knowledge and skill in comparison with the generally accepted standards and achievements in the area in which authorization is sought."
2. Special Qualification is defined as "Outstanding background in a subject field or area but not to the degree of eminence."

WHO OPERATES

USOE

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

Any person who has achieved eminence or outstanding qualification in a field taught in the public schools of Utah.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The authorization is issued for a limited assignment and responsibility in a specified field. The individual is limited to teaching two periods per day.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Not applicable.

LENGTH OF TIME

One year; renewable for one-year periods.