Teaching Standards Board, Professional

Teaching Standards Board, Professional

Chapter 5: Exception Authorizations

Effective Date: 11/17/2009 to 05/12/2010

Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations

Reference Number: 019.0001.5.11172009

EXCEPTION AUTHORIZATIONS (EA'S)

Section 1. Exception Authorization (EA) Requirements.

Applicants for an Exception Authorization shall verify employment in a Wyoming school district and verify that the teaching assignment matches the endorsement in which the EA is being sought. An Exception Authorization is issued for up to one (1) year only and is non-renewable for (a), and (c) below. To be eligible for an EA, applicants shall meet the eligibility requirements for options (a), (b), or (c).

(a) Applicants who meet all requirements for a Standard Educator License except submission of the required passing test score shall submit:

1. (i) a complete Exception Authorization application; and
2. (ii) verification of a degree in Education.

(b) Applicants who are assigned to teach in an area in which they are not currently endorsed but are seeking full licensure in that same endorsement area shall submit:

1. (i) a complete Exception Authorization application;
2. (ii) verification of a bachelor's degree from a regionally or NCATE accredited institution of higher education;
3. (iii) proof of extensive training or experience related to the discipline in which licensure is being sought; and
4. (iv) a signed statement from the district superintendent verifying:
5. (A) a customary search has been conducted and no properly licensed and qualified educator is available;
6. (B) the applicant shall be supervised by a fully licensed educator; and
7. (C) the district accepts responsibility for ensuring the applicant completes all requirements and becomes eligible for full licensure.

(v) A second or third Exception Authorization shall be issued upon verification of the following requirements:

1. (A) substantial progress toward full licensure;
2. (B) submission of a complete Exception Authorization application; and

(C) continued employment in the same district in which the initial Exception Authorization was issued.

(c) Applicants who are assigned to teach no more than two (2) class periods outside of their endorsement area(s) for one school year due to unforeseen circumstances. The following shall be submitted:

1. (i) current and valid Wyoming Educator License;
2. (ii) a complete Exception Authorization application; and
3. (iii) a signed statement from the district superintendent verifying:

(A) the assignment is for no more than two (2) class periods, is for one school year only, and is due to unforeseen circumstances; a formal written explanation of the unforeseen circumstances shall be included with the application.

Section 2. Limitations.

(a) An Exception Authorization for endorsements in school administration, School Social Worker, School Counselor, School Psychologist, or Speech Language Therapist shall only be issued at the discretion of the Application Review Committee and only under rare and exceptional circumstances.