R277-502-6. Returning Educator Relicensure

  (1) A previously licensed educator with an expired license may renew an expired license upon satisfaction of the following:

  (a) Completion of a criminal background check including review of any criminal offenses and clearance in accordance with Rule R277-214;

  (b) Employment by an LEA;

  (c) Completion of a one-year professional learning plan developed jointly by the educator's school principal or charter school director and the returning educator consistent with R277-500 that also considers the following:

  (i) previous successful public school teaching experience;

  (ii) formal educational preparation;

  (iii) period of time between last public teaching experience and the present;

  (iv) school goals for student achievement within the employing school and the educator's role in accomplishing those goals;

  (v) returning educator's professional abilities, as determined by a formal discussion and observation process completed within the first 30 days of employment; and

  (vi) completion of additional necessary professional development for the educator.

  (d) Filing of the professional learning plan within 30 days of hire;

  (e) Successful completion of required Board-approved exams for licensure;

  (f) Satisfactory experience as determined by the LEA with a trained mentor; and

  (g) Submission to the Superintendent of the completed and signed Return to Original License Level Application, available on the Board website prior to June 30 of the school year in which the educator seeks to return.

  (2) A returning educator is eligible for renewal of an educator license following completion of a professional learning plan notwithstanding the license renewal point requirements of Section R277-500-3.

  (3)(a) A returning educator who previously held a Level 2 or Level 3 license under this rule shall receive a Level 1 license during the first year of employment following renewal of an expired license.

  (b) Upon completion of the requirements listed in Subsection (1) and a satisfactory LEA evaluation, the employing LEA may recommend the educator's return to Level 2 or Level 3 licensure.

  (4) A returning educator who taught less than three consecutive years in a public or accredited private school shall complete the requirements of Rule R277-522 before being recommended by an LEA to move from a Level 1 to Level 2 license.