We currently have two sets of regulations for teachers and the piece of statute below outlines which teachers qualify to use the old regulations. For everyone else, any applications received before June 10th following old Ch. 115, and everyone after follows new Ch. 115. If you have already had an evaluation, please reference your evaluation letter and contact us with any questions at cert.doe@maine.gov.
On October 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) released a memorandum to clarify the requirements of IDEA Part B, which outlines the expectations for the preparation and training of all special education teachers nationwide. The memo states that special education certification or licensure requirements may not be waived. Therefore, the State of Maine is unable to issue emergency credentials for Teacher of Students with Disabilities (282) endorsements.
Individuals instead may work towards a conditional credential. To be eligible for a conditional credential, educators must hold a BA or higher degree and earn nine semester hours in Special Education coursework. To learn more about conditional certification please consider attending Conditional Certification Office Hours held by the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education. For the office hour dates and a zoom link, please contact Tracy Whitlock at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov.
Statute Rules
3. Application of rules revising credential qualifications or endorsements. An amendment to the rules adopted to implement this chapter or chapter 502 that revises the qualifications for a credential or the grades or subject area endorsements for a professional teacher certificate does not apply to the following:
- A. A person who held an active credential or endorsement during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).]
- B. A person who held an active conditional certificate during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).]
- C. A program completer who qualified for a recommendation for certification as a teacher during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).]
- D. A person enrolled in an educator preparation program during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; or [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).]
- E. A person who began the application process for professional teacher certification with the department during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules. [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).]