NSU University School Faculty, Staff and Employee Handbook

13 are teaching. An example: A teacher with a degree or certification in computer science is teaching 3 classes of math – that teacher MUST show at least 12 credits in math regardless of how s/he attained the professional certificate (could have been through simply taking the math exam once certified in computer science). While some latitude may exist in the time it takes to obtain official, initial certification, maintaining school accreditation mandates certification be accomplished as soon as possible. All newly hired faculty must provide a statement of eligibility from the FDOE upon signing of the employment contract unless they are given and extension by the Head of School. Newly hired teachers must apply for and provide/show documentation of the application for a 3-year, non-renewable temporary certificate within 30 days of hire. NSU University School provides a mandatory teacher orientation program that complies with the Professional Orientation Program (POP) procedures necessary to obtain the first-time Florida professional teaching certificate. While working on attaining the certificate, teachers are required to show and document adequate yearly progress in quarterly reports to their divisional designee. Teachers are responsible for 1) acquiring and 2) maintaining the currency of their certificates. Depending upon individual circumstances, a teacher may submit a written request for a one- time extension through the Associate head for Academic Affairs. Extension denials may be appealed in writing to and at the discretion of the Head of School. If the extension is granted, the teacher MUST comply with the stipulations and timeline provided in the appeal agreement. NSU University School is not responsible for teacher certification or the impact it might have on their continued employment. The Department of Education has issued a new rule for ALL those renewing or reinstating a Florida Professional Certificate. Here is an outline of the renewal and reinstatement requirements.  Anyone renewing a state professional certificate after July 1, 2014 , will be required to obtain one college credit or 20 in-service points in the area of teaching students with disabilities (SWD). This will not add to total already required (six semester hours/120 in-service points). Example: 100 master in-service points and 20 SWD master in- service points  No one is exempt from meeting the requirement. It does not matter what you are certified in, whether or not you are teaching, what subject you are teaching, or what your degree major is in.  A National Board certificate in Exceptional Needs Specialist - Early Childhood through Young Adult can used to satisfy the requirement.  A passing score on the Florida Subject Area Exam in Exceptional Student Education, Hearing Impairment, Visually Impaired, or Speech-Language Impaired can be used provided it was taken during the validity period of the professional certificate being renewed.