R277-502-4. License Levels, Procedures, and Periods of Validity

  (1)(a) The Superintendent shall recommend an individual to the Board for a Level 1 license if the individual:

  (i) is recommended by a Board-approved educator preparation program or approved alternative preparation program; or

  (ii) possesses a valid professional educator license from another state.

  (b) An LEA and Board-approved educator preparation program shall cooperate in preparing candidates for a Level 1 license and may use joint resources to assist candidates in preparation for licensing.

  (c) A Board-approved educator preparation program may only issue a recommendation if the individual has satisfactorily completed the programs of study required for the preparation of educators and has met licensing standards in the license areas of concentration for which the individual is recommended.

  (2) A Level 1 license is valid for three years unless suspended or revoked for cause by the Board.

  (3) A license applicant who has received or completed license preparation activities or coursework inconsistent with this rule may present compelling information and documentation for review and approval by the Superintendent to satisfy the licensing requirements.

  (4) If an educator has taught for three years in a K-12 public education system in Utah, the Superintendent may only recommend renewal of a Level 1 license if:

  (a) the employing LEA has requested a one year extension consistent with Section R277-522-4; or

  (b) the individual has continuous experience as a speech language pathologist in a clinical setting.

  (5) The Superintendent shall recommend a Level 1 licensee to the Board for a Level 2 license upon:

  (a) satisfaction of all Board requirements for the Level 2 license; and

  (b) the recommendation of the employing LEA.

  (6) An LEA shall make a recommendation under Subsection (5)(b), prior to the expiration of the educator's Level 1 license and following:

  (a) the completion of three years of successful, professional growth and educator experience;

  (b) satisfaction of all requirements of Rule R277-522; and

  (c) any additional requirements imposed by the employing LEA.

  (7) A Level 2 license shall be valid for five years unless suspended or revoked for cause by the Board.

  (8) A Level 2 license may be renewed for successive five year periods consistent with Rule R277-500.

  (9) The Superintendent shall recommend a Level 2 licensee to the Board for a Level 3 license who:

  (a) has current National Board Certification;

  (b) has a doctorate in education or in a field related to a content area in a unit of the public education system or an accredited private school; or

  (c) holds a Speech-Language Pathology area of concentration and has a current American Speech-Language Hearing Association certification.

  (10) A Level 3 license is valid for seven years unless suspended or revoked for cause by the Board.

  (11) A Level 3 license may be renewed for successive seven year periods consistent with Rule R277-500.

  (12) The Superintendent may establish deadlines and uniform forms and procedures for all aspects of licensing.

  (13)(a) All licenses expire on June 30 of the year of expiration and may be renewed any time after January of the same year.

  (b) Responsibility for license renewal rests solely with the licensee.