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State eases rules to fill special ed teacher jobs

By DIANE D'AMICO Education Writer, (609) 272-7241
Published: Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Updated: Tuesday, July 25, 2006

TRENTON — The state Board of Education last week approved changes in the state teacher licensing code that will make it easier for school districts and teachers to fill job openings in special education classrooms.

The old state code required teachers to have six credits in special education courses before they could be eligible for special education certification and begin to teach special education students.

But with a statewide shortage of special education teachers, many school districts were instead asking the state for emergency certifications to allow the teachers to begin teaching before they complete the courses.

The new code allows the teachers to begin teaching special education students and enter the alternate route special education certification program simultaneously. State officials said that eliminates the need for emergency certifications and assures that the teachers are taking the required coursework while they teach.

“A lot of teachers who were interested in the program didn't have the six credits,” said acting assistant commissioner Jay Doolan. “But, the districts needed them, so they would ask for emergency certifications instead.”

Under emergency certification, the state had no guarantee that the teachers were actually taking special education coursework while they taught. The new program requires that they enroll in an alternate route program.

“This way it can be monitored better,” Doolan said.

The state offers alternate route programs for regular teacher certification and special education. For the regular program, applicants must have a four-year college degree and meet other state criteria. Teachers must have the regular certification before they can earn a special education certification.

Doolan said the coursework required for the special education certification remains the same.

The new code will apply to the 2006-07 school year.

To e-mail Diane D'Amico at The Press:

DDamico@pressofac.com

 

 

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