282—22.15(272) Content specialist authorization.
	22.15(1) Authorization. This authorization is provided to applicants who have not completed a teacher preparation program but who hold a master’s degree or higher in an endorsement area.
	22.15(2) Application process. Any person interested in the content specialist authorization shall submit an application to the board of educational examiners for an evaluation. Application materials are available from the office of the board of educational examiners online at www.boee.iowa.gov.	Degrees and semester hour credits shall be completed through a college or university accredited by an institutional accrediting agency as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
	22.15(3) Specific requirements for the initial content specialist authorization.
	a. 	The applicant must have completed a master’s degree or higher in an endorsement area through a college or university accredited by an institutional accrediting agency as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
	b. 	Background check. The applicant must complete the background check requirements set forth in rule 282—13.1(272).
	c. 	The applicant must obtain a recommendation from a school district administrator verifying that the school district wishes to hire the applicant. Before the applicant is hired, the school district administrator must verify that a diligent search was completed to hire a fully licensed teacher for the position.
	d. 	During the term of the authorization, the applicant must complete board-approved training in the following:
	(1)	Methods and techniques of teaching. Develop skills to use a variety of learning strategies that encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. The methods course must include specific methods and must be appropriate for the level of endorsement.
	(2)	Curriculum development. Develop an understanding of how students differ in their approaches to learning and create learning opportunities that are equitable and adaptable to diverse learners.
	(3)	Measurement and evaluation of programs and students. Develop skills to use a variety of authentic assessments to measure student progress.
	(4)	Classroom management. Develop an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior which creates a learning environment that encourages positive social interactions, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
	(5)	Code of ethics. Develop an understanding of how to foster relationships with parents, school colleagues, and organizations in the larger community to support students’ learning and development and become aware of the board’s rules of professional practice and code of ethics.
	(6)	Human relations. Develop an understanding of diverse groups found in a pluralistic society, including students from diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds; students with disabilities and the gifted and talented; students who are struggling with literacy, including those with dyslexia; students who are English learners; and students who are at risk of not succeeding in school.
	e. 	The applicant must be assigned a mentor by the hiring school district. The mentor must have four years of teaching experience in a related subject area.
	22.15(4) Validity—initial authorization. The initial content specialist authorization is valid for three years.
	22.15(5) Renewal. The initial content specialist authorization may be renewed once if the candidate can demonstrate that coursework progress has been made.
	22.15(6) Conversion. The initial content specialist authorization may be converted to a content specialist authorization if the applicant has completed the required coursework set forth in paragraph 22.15(3)“d.”
	22.15(7) Specific requirements for the content specialist authorization.
	a. 	This authorization is valid for five years.
	b. 	An applicant for this authorization must first meet the requirements for the initial content specialist authorization.
	c. 	Renewal requirements for the content specialist authorization. Applicants for renewal must meet the requirements set forth in 282—subrule 20.5(1) and 282—paragraphs 20.5(2)“a” through “d.”
	22.15(8) Revocation and suspension. Criteria of professional practice and rules of the board of educational examiners shall be applicable to the holders of the initial career and technical secondary authorization or the career and technical secondary authorization. If a school district hires an applicant without a valid license or authorization, a complaint may be filed against the teacher and the superintendent of the school district.
[ARC 6867C, IAB 2/8/23, effective 3/15/23]