281—84.2(256) Registration fee reimbursement program. The department will administer a registration fee reimbursement program in each year for which the legislature appropriates funds.
	84.2(1) Eligibility. Teachers seeking reimbursement under this rule will apply to the department within one year of registration with NBPTS and meet all of the following qualifications:
	a. 	The individual has all qualifications required by NBPTS for application for certification.
	b. 	The individual is a teacher employed by a school district in Iowa and receives a salary as a classroom teacher.
	c. 	The individual completes the department’s application process, which includes verifying NBC registration.
	d. 	The individual has not received reimbursement from this program at any previous time.
	84.2(2) Reimbursement. Teachers determined eligible will receive reimbursement in the following manner:
	a. 	Initial registration fee reimbursement. Each eligible teacher will receive an initial reimbursement of one-half of the reimbursement fee charged by NBPTS or, if necessary, a prorated amount upon submission to the department of the NBC registration confirmation form provided to each teacher by NBPTS.
	b. 	Final registration fee reimbursement. The final registration fee reimbursement of one-half of the reimbursement fee charged by NBPTS will be awarded when the eligible teacher notifies the department of the teacher’s certification achievement and submits verification of certification. If an eligible teacher fails to receive certification, the teacher can receive the remaining reimbursement if the teacher achieves certification within three years of the initial NBC score notification.
	c. 	Amount of reimbursement. If funds are appropriated by the legislature, each eligible teacher who applies under this rule will receive the registration fee reimbursement. If in any fiscal year the number of eligible teachers who apply for the reimbursement exceeds the funds available, the department will prorate the amount of the registration fee reimbursement among all eligible teachers.
[ARC 7423C, IAB 12/27/23, effective 1/31/24]