The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) Certificate--Any credential issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) under the authority of the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 21, Subchapter B.
2. (2) Educator--A person who is required to hold a certificate issued under the TEC, Chapter 21, Subchapter B.
3. (3) Educator preparation program--An entity approved by the SBEC to recommend candidates in one or more educator certification fields.
4. (4) Examination--An examination or other test required by statute or SBEC rule that governs an individual's admission to an educator preparation program; certification as an educator; continuation as an educator; or advancement as an educator.
5. (5) Mentor--For a classroom teacher, a certified educator assigned by the campus administrator who has completed mentor training; who guides, assists, and supports the beginning teacher in areas such as planning, classroom management, instruction, assessment, working with parents, obtaining materials, district policies; and who reports the beginning teacher's progress to that teacher's educator preparation program.
6. (6) Private school--A school whose educational program has been evaluated by a state department of education or regional accrediting agency and whose program has met and is maintaining certain educational standards.
7. (7) Teacher service record--The official document used to record years of service and days used and accumulated under the state's former minimum sick leave program or the state's current personal leave program.
8. (8) Texas Education Agency staff--Staff of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) assigned by the commissioner of education to perform the SBEC's administrative functions and services.
9. (9) Texas public school--A school accredited by the TEA under the TEC, §39.073.

Source Note:The provisions of this §230.1 adopted to be effective June 21, 2009, 34 TexReg 3930.