Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, § 13012-A: Conditional certificate, 2017

1. Conditional certificate. The commissioner may issue a conditional certificate to: A. An individual who has not met all of the requirements for a certificate as set forth in section 13013, 13019‑I, 13019‑G or 13022. [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. An individual who is eligible for an endorsement to teach in a teacher shortage area as determined by the commissioner; or [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] C. A holder of a professional teacher certificate under section 13013 who is transitioning to another endorsement; [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] 2. Term. A conditional certificate is issued for a 3-year period and may not be renewed. [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] 3. Employment. A school administrative unit may employ a conditionally certified individual who is in the process of becoming professionally certified notwithstanding the availability of professionally certified teachers or educational specialists. [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] 4. Requirements. A school administrative unit may not employ a conditionally certified teacher or educational specialist unless it has a locally designed peer support and mentoring system as described in section 13015‑A. For a conditional certificate issued under subsection 1, paragraph A or B, the school administrative unit shall for at least the first 2 years of employment, or longer if determined to be necessary, and, for a conditional certificate issued under subsection 1, paragraph C, the school administrative unit shall for at least the first year of employment, or longer if determined to be necessary: A. Ensure that the conditionally certified teacher or educational specialist receives high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction while teaching; and [PL 2019, c. 518, §1 (AMD).] B. Provide a program of intensive supervision for the conditionally certified teacher that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support or a mentoring program, which is separate from any student-teacher requirement that may be required under another authority. [PL 2017, c. 381, §14 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 518, §1 (AMD).] 5. Program review. The commissioner may conduct a program review of any program developed or administered by a school administrative unit to meet the requirements of subsection 4. [PL 2017, c. 235, §11 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]