B.__The targeted need area certificate is limited to a one- year certificate and leads to a conditional or provisional teacher certificate upon completion of requirements for that certificate.

C.__The targeted need area certificate may not be used to avoid the hiring of provisional or professionally certified teachers.__A long-term substitute may not be employed when there is a candidate for the position who is eligible for the targeted need area certificate.

Sec. 6. 20-A MRSA §13012, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1997, c. 266, §15, is further amended to read:

1. Definition. A provisional teacher certificate is the entry level certificate issued to an individual who has not taught previously in the State, except as provided in section 13013, subsection 2-A, paragraphs B and D, or who has taught under a conditional or targeted need area certificate due to failure to meet the qualifications for a provisional teacher certificate.

Sec. 7. 20-A MRSA §13015, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 845, §4, is amended to read:

1. Employment. No A public school or private school approved for tuition purposes under section 2901, subsection 2, paragraph B may not employ a provisional, conditional or targeted need area teacher unless it has an approved, locally designed, support system or has received specific authorization from the commissioner in accordance with state board rules.

SUMMARY

This bill adds guidelines to the provision enacted in the 119th Legislature providing for a targeted need area teaching certificate. The bill requires the Commissioner of Education to annually determine teacher shortage areas and identify the use of targeted need area certificates. The bill limits the certificates to a period of one year and clarifies the hierarchy of all types of certificates.