The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, Chapter 232 of this title (relating to General Certification Provisions), and Chapter 233 of this title (relating to Categories of Classroom Teaching Certificates), shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Accredited institution of higher education--An institution of higher education that at the time was accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board.
2. (2) Appropriate--Suitable for a particular purpose. The term denotes compliance with State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules and with SBEC procedures and policies posted on the Texas Education Agency website that are related to the stated particular purpose.
3. (3) Certificate--Any credential issued by the State Board for Educator Certification under the authority of the Texas Education Code, Chapter 21, Subchapter B.
4. (4) Classroom teacher--An educator who is employed by a school district approved by the Texas Education Agency or by an open-enrollment charter school approved by the State Board of Education and who teaches, not less than four hours each day, in an academic instructional setting or a career and technical education instructional setting. This term does not include a teacher's aide, Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) instructors, substitute, or a full-time or part-time administrator.
5. (5) Continuing professional education--Professional development required for the renewal of educator and professional certificates that is designed to ensure improvement in both the performance of the educator and achievement of his or her students.
6. (6) Educator--A person who is required to hold a certificate issued under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 21, Subchapter B.
7. (7) Educator preparation program--An entity approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to offer training and coursework to prepare candidates for an educator certificate.
8. (8) Examination--A standardized test or assessment required by statute or State Board for Educator Certification 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.
9. (9) Field supervision--An educator preparation program is responsible for the supervision of a candidate during student teaching, clinical teaching, internship, or a practicum. The supervision includes monitoring candidates and providing them with constructive feedback to improve their professional performance based on the standards associated with the certificate being sought.
10. (10) Hearing impairment--As defined in the Texas Education Code, §21.048(d)(1), a hearing impairment so severe that the person cannot process linguistic information with or without amplification.
11. (11) High-quality professional development--Professional development that meets the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 United States Code, §7801 (2001, as amended) and its subsequent amendments.
12. (12) Initial certification--The first Texas certificate issued to an individual based on participation in an approved educator preparation program.
13. (13) Internship--A one academic year (or 180 school days) supervised educator assignment at a public school accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or other school approved by the TEA for internships, which may lead to completion of a standard certificate.

14. (14) Mentor--A certified educator who is assigned by the campus administrator and who has completed, within the past three years, mentor training provided by an educator preparation program, regional education service center, campus, or school district. Responsibilities of the mentor include, but are not limited to:

    1. (A) guiding, assisting, and supporting the beginning teacher in areas such as acquisition of instructional materials, classroom management, curriculum and instruction, district policy, parent involvement, and student assessment; and
    2. (B) providing information to the educator preparation program regarding the progress of the beginning teacher seeking new certification.
15. (15) Private school--A non-public school whose educational program has been evaluated by a regional accrediting agency and whose program has met and is maintaining certain educational standards.
16. (16) Professional class--A term that refers to certificates for duties other than classroom teacher (e.g., superintendent, principal, school counselor, school librarian, educational diagnostician, reading specialist, and master teachers).
17. (17) State Board for Educator Certification--The State Board for Educator Certification acting through its voting members in a decision-making capacity.
18. (18) Teacher of record--An educator employed by a school district who teaches the majority of the instructional day in an academic instructional setting and is responsible for evaluating student achievement and assigning grades.
19. (19) 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.
20. (20) Texas Education Agency staff--Staff of the Texas Education Agency assigned by the commissioner of education to perform the State Board for Educator Certification's administrative functions and services.
21. (21) Texas school district--A school district accredited and approved by the Texas Education Agency under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 11.

Source Note:The provisions of this §230.1 adopted to be effective August 12, 2012, 37 TexReg 5753.