1. A. The board of education of each school district shall employ and contract in writing, as required in Section 6-101 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, only with persons certified or licensed to teach by the State Board of Education in accordance with the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act, except as otherwise provided by law.

2. B. The Board shall issue a license to teach to any person who:

   1. 1. Has successfully completed the teacher education program required by the State Board of Education prior to July 1, 1997, and the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation beginning July 1, 1997;
   2. 2. Has graduated from an accredited institution of higher education that has approval or accreditation for teacher education;
   3. 3. Has met all other requirements as may be established by the Board;
   4. 4. Has made the necessary application and paid the curriculum examination fee as prescribed by the State Board of Education prior to July 1, 1997, and beginning July 1, 1997, paid the competency examination fee in an amount and as prescribed by the Commission. All monies received by the Board or Commission from examination fees shall be deposited to the appropriate Revolving Fund created in Section 6-191 of this title; and
   5. 5. Has successfully completed the examination in accordance with the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act.

3. C. The Board shall issue a certificate to teach to any person who:

   1. 1. Holds a license to teach in accordance with the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act;
   2. 2. Has served a minimum of one (1) school year as a resident teacher;
   3. 3. Has made the necessary application and paid the certification fee as prescribed by the Board; and
   4. 4. Has been recommended for certification by the residency committee; or
   5. 5. Holds an out-of-state certificate and meets standards set by the Board.
4. D. If a resident teacher is a graduate of an out-of-state institution of higher education, the recommendation of the residency committee shall be made to the State Board of Education.
5. E. Any person holding a valid certificate, issued prior to January 1, 1997, shall be a certified teacher for purposes of the Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act, subject to any professional development requirements prescribed by this act or by the State Board of Education.

Laws 1995, HB 1549, c. 322, § 11, emerg. eff. July 1, 1995; Amended by Laws 1997, HB 1559, c. 344, § 5, emerg. eff. June 9, 1997 (superseded document available).