R277-520-2. Definitions

  (1) "Content specialist" means a licensed educator who provides instruction or specialized support for students and teachers in a school setting.

  (2) "Core academic subjects or areas" under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title IX, Part A, 20 U.S.C. 7801, Section 9101(11) means:

  (a) English;

  (b) reading or language arts;

  (c) mathematics;

  (d) science;

  (e) foreign languages;

  (f) civics and government;

  (g) economics;

  (h) arts;

  (i) history; and

  (j) geography.

  (3) "Demonstrated competency" means that a teacher shall demonstrate current expertise to teach a specific class or course through the use of lines of evidence which may include:

  (a) completed Board approved course work;

  (b) content tests; or

  (c) years of successful experience including evidence of student performance.

  (4) "Eminence" means distinguished ability in rank, in attainment of superior knowledge and skill in comparison with the generally accepted standards and achievements in the area in which the authorization is sought as provided in R277-520-5.

  (5) "Letter of authorization" means a designation given to an individual for one year, such as an out-of-state candidate or individual pursuing an alternative license, who has not completed the requirements for a Level 1, 2, or 3 license or who has not completed necessary endorsement requirements and who is employed by an LEA.

  (6) "Level 1 license" means:

  (a) a Utah professional educator license issued upon completion of an approved preparation program or an alternative preparation program; or

  (b) pursuant to an agreement under the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, to candidates who have also met all ancillary requirements established by law or rule.

  (7) "Level 2 license" means a Utah professional educator license issued to an applicant after the Level 2 applicant:

  (a) completes all requirements for a Level 1 license;

  (b) completes the requirements under R277-522 for a teacher whose employment as a Level 1 licensed educator began after January 1, 2003 in a Utah public or accredited private school;

  (c) completes:

  (i) at least three years of successful education experience in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school; or

  (ii)(A) one year of successful education experience in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school; and

  (B) at least three years of successful education experience in a public LEA or accredited private school outside of Utah; and

  (d) completes additional requirements established by law or rule.

  (8) "Level 3 license" means a Utah professional educator license issued to an educator who:

  (a) holds a current Utah Level 2 license; and

  (b) receives:

  (i) National Board Certification;

  (ii) a doctorate in:

  (A) education; or

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

  (iii)(A) a Speech-Language Pathology area of concentration; and

  (B) currently holds American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certification.

  (9)(a) "License areas of concentration" means a designation to a license obtained by completing an approved preparation program or an alternative preparation program in a specific area of educational studies that may include:

  (i) Early Childhood (k-3);

  (ii) Elementary (k-6);

  (iii) Elementary 1-8;

  (iv) Middle (still valid, but not issued after 1988, 5-9);

  (v) Secondary (6-12):

  (vi) Administrative/Supervisory (k-12);

  (vii) Career and Technical Education;

  (viii) School Counselor;

  (ix) School Psychologist;

  (x) School Social Worker;

  (xi) Special Education (k-12);

  (xii) Preschool Special Education (birth-age 5);

  (xiii) Communication Disorders;

  (xiv) Speech-Language Pathologist; and

  (xv) Speech-Language Technician.

  (b) License areas of concentration may also bear endorsements relating to subjects or specific assignments.

  (10)(a) "License endorsement" or "endorsement" means a specialty field or area earned through completing required course work established by the Board or through demonstrated competency approved by the Board;

  (b) The endorsement shall be listed on the Professional Educator License indicating the specific qualification of the holder.

  (11) "Professional staff cost program funds" means funding provided to school districts based on the percentage of a district's professional staff that is appropriately licensed in the areas in which staff members teach.

  (12) "SAEP" means State Approved Endorsement Program. This identifies an educator working on a professional development plan to obtain an endorsement.