R277-520-5. Eminence

  (1) The purpose of an eminence authorization is to allow individuals with exceptional training or expertise, consistent with Subsection R277-520-2(4), to teach or work in the public schools on a limited basis.

  (2) Documentation of the exceptional training, skills or expertise may be required by the Superintendent prior to the approval of the eminence authorization.

  (3) Teachers with an eminence authorization may teach no more than 37% of the regular instructional load except as provided in Subsection (4).

  (4) In identified circumstances, teachers with an eminence authorization may teach more than 37% of the regular instructional load.

  (5) The Board may approve an eminence authorization if the LEA can find no other qualified individual to fill the position, then:

  (a) the LEA shall submit the following documented information to the Superintendent annually:

  (i) description;

  (ii) recruitment efforts;

  (iii) the qualifications of all applicants; and

  (iv) the LEA's rationale for hiring the individual;

  (b) the Superintendent shall review the information within 15 days of receipt;

  (c) the Superintendent shall notify the individual and the LEA if the Superintendent approves the documented information;

  (d) the LEA shall submit a request for a Letter of Authorization to the Board for the individual through normal administrative procedures; or

  (6) An individual has exceptional skills, expertise, and experience that make the individual the primary candidate for the position, then:

  (a) the LEA shall submit the following documented information to the Superintendent annually:

  (i) information about the position;

  (ii) the individual's expertise, and experience; and

  (iii) the LEA's rationale for hiring the individual.

  (b) the Superintendent shall review the information within 15 days of receipt.

  (c) the Superintendent shall notify the individual and the LEA if the Superintendent approves the documented information.

  (d) the LEA shall submit a request for a Letter of Authorization to the Board for the individual through normal administrative procedures.

  (7) An LEA shall require an individual teaching with an eminence authorization to have a criminal background check consistent with Section 53E-6-401 prior to employment by the LEA.

  (8) An LEA that employs the teacher with an eminence authorization shall determine the amount and type of professional development required of the teacher.

  (9) An LEA that employs a teacher with an eminence authorization shall apply for renewal of the authorization annually.

  (10) An eminence authorization may apply to:

  (a) an individual without a teaching license; or

  (b) an unusual and infrequent teacher situation where a license-holder is needed to teach in a subject area for which the license-holder is not endorsed, but in which the license-holder may be eminently qualified.