05-071-115 Me. Code R. § II-4

Current through 2024-25, June 19, 2024

Section 071-115-II-4 - ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFICATES

4.1Certificate 010: Superintendent

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, career and technical education administrator, assistant career and technical education administrator, teaching principal, or curriculum coordinator.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by meeting Section 4.1 B.1 and either Section 4.1. B.2 or Section 4.1. B.3, below. Individuals who are not eligible through either pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.1. B.4, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for either Eligibility Pathway

(a) Earned an advanced degree, in any field, from an accredited college or university;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of three years of satisfactory public or private school teaching experience or a minimum of three years of equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary, industry schools);

(c) Evidence of a minimum of three years of previous administrative experience in schools or an institutional setting (e.g., military, business, industry, public or private agency);

(d) Completed approved courses in the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law;

(e) Meets, through one of the pathways specified in Section 4.1. B.2 or 4.1. B.3, below, the standards of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) from the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (https://www.npbea.org/psel); and

(f) Satisfactory completion of an approved internship or practicum based on the PSEL and relating to the duties of a superintendent in a school setting met by one of the following:

i. Completed a graduate level state-approved administrator internship or practicum program with a minimum term of 15 weeks;

ii. Completed a minimum of one full year of employment as an assistant superintendent or superintendent; or

iii. Completed a mentorship plan reviewed and approved by the Commissioner, with the duration of the plan being one academic year.

2.Certificate Eligibility Pathway 1 Meets the standards of the PSEL through completion of a Maine approved program for Superintendents.

3.Certificate Eligibility Pathway 2 Meets the standards of the PSEL through coursework, equivalent training experiences, submission of a portfolio with criteria, or successful completion of an assessment (in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13).

4.Conditional Certificate

(a) Meets the requirements specified in Section 4.1. B.1.a through c, and d.i;

(b) Meets the standards of the PSEL related to budgeting, fiscal resources, supervision, and evaluation;

(c) Meets at least five of the other standards of the PSEL; and

(d) Meets the internship requirement specified in Section 4.1. B.1.f or submits a plan for a supervised internship to be approved by the Department prior to the issuance of the conditional certificate.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completed an approved administrative action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, completed a minimum of six credits of approved study.

4.2Certificate 015: Assistant Superintendent

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, career and technical education administrator, assistant career and technical education administrator, teaching principal or curriculum coordinator.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by meeting Section 4.2. B.1. Individuals who are not eligible through this pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.2. B.2, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned an advanced degree, in any field, from an accredited college or university;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of three years of satisfactory public or private school teaching experience or a minimum of three years or equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary institution, industry, schools);

(c) Evidence of a minimum of one year of previous administrative experience in schools or an institutional setting (e.g., military, business, industry, public or private agency);

(d) Completed approved courses in the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law;

(e) Meets the standards of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) from the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (https://www.npbea.org/psel) through coursework, equivalent training experiences, submission of a portfolio with criteria, or successful completion of an assessment (in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13); and

(f) Satisfactory completion of an approved internship or practicum based on the PSEL and relating to the duties of an assistant superintendent in a school setting met by one of the following:

i. Completed a graduate level state-approved administrator internship or practicum program with a minimum term of 15 weeks;

ii. Completed a minimum of one full year of employment as an assistant superintendent or superintendent; or

iii. Completed a mentorship plan reviewed and approved by the Commissioner, with the duration of the plan being one academic year.

2.Conditional Certificate

(a) Meets the requirements of Section 4.2. B.1.a through c, and d.i;

(b) Meets the standards of the PSEL related to budgeting, fiscal resources, supervision, and evaluation; and

(c) Meets at least five of the other standards of the PSEL.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completed an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, completed a minimum of six credits of approved study.

4.3Certificate 030: Administrator of Special Education

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as administrator of special education or assistant administrator of special education.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by meeting Section 4.3. B.1.Individuals who are not eligible through this pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.3. B.2, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned an advanced degree from an accredited college or university, and one of the following:

i. Holds a degree in special education or special education related services; or

ii. Completed a minimum of 36 semester hours in special education or holds a valid Maine endorsement 282 teacher of children with disabilities, in accordance with Section 2.1 of this rule;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of three years of satisfactory special education teaching experience in a special education program, or a minimum of three years of equivalent experience in providing related services to special education students;

(c) Completed approved courses in the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law;

(d) Meets the standards of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) from the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (https://www.npbea.org/psel) through coursework, equivalent training experiences, submission of a portfolio with criteria, or successful completion of an assessment (in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13); and

(e) Satisfactory completion of an approved internship or practicum based on the PSEL and relating to the duties of a special education administrator, which shall take place in a school setting and shall be met by one of the following:

i. Completion of a graduate level state-approved administrator internship or practicum program with a minimum term of 15 weeks;

ii. Completion of a minimum of one full year of employment as an assistant special education administrator or special education administrator; or

iii. Completion of a mentorship plan reviewed and approved by the Commissioner, with the duration of the plan being one academic year.

2.Conditional Certificate

(a) Meets the requirements of Section 4.3. B.1.a, b, and c.ii, above;

(b) Meets the standards of the PSEL related to budgeting, fiscal resources, supervision, and evaluation; and

(c) Meets at least five other standards of the PSEL.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completed an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, completed a minimum of six credits of approved study.

4.4Certificate 035: Assistant Administrator of Special Education

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as assistant administrator of special education.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by the following pathway. Individuals who are not eligible through this pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.4. B.2, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule and satisfies one of the following:

i. The degree shall be in special education or special education related services; or

ii. Completed a minimum of 36 semester hours in special education or holds a valid Maine endorsement 282 teacher of children with disabilities, in accordance with Section 2.1 of this rule;

(c) Completed approved courses in the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law; and

(d) Evidence, through coursework or equivalent training experiences, of knowledge in the following areas:

i. Supervision and evaluation of personnel; and

ii. Organizational theory and planning.

2.Conditional Certificate

(a) Meets the requirements of Section 4.4. B.1.a, b and c.ii, above.

(b) Special Condition: Evaluation of staff is not permitted until the holder meets the requirement of 4.4.B.1.d.i, above.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completion of an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, six credits of approved study.

4.5Certificate 040: Building Administrator

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as principal, career and technical education administrator, assistant principal, assistant career and technical education administrator, or teaching principal.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by meeting Section 4.5. B.1 and either Section 4.5. B.2 or Section 4.5. B.3, below. Individuals who are not eligible through either pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.5. B.4, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for either Eligibility Pathway

(a) Earned an advanced degree in the field of education or leadership from an accredited college or university;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of three years of satisfactory public or private school teaching experience, or three years of equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary institution, industry, schools);

(c) Completed approved courses in the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law;

(d) Meets, through one of the pathways specified in Section 4.5. B.2 or 4.5. B.3, the standards of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) from the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (https://www.npbea.org/psel); and

(e) Satisfactory completion of an approved internship or practicum based on the PSEL and relating to the duties of a principal or career and technical education administrator, which shall take place in a school setting and be met by one of the following:

i. Completion of a graduate level state-approved administrator internship or practicum program with a minimum term of 15 weeks;

ii. Completion of a minimum of one full year of employment as an assistant principal, assistant career and technical education administrator, principal, or career and technical education administrator; or

iii. Completion of a mentorship plan reviewed and approved by the Commissioner, with the duration of the plan being one academic year.

2.Certificate Eligibility Pathway 1

Meets the standards of the PSEL through completion of a Maine approved program for building administrators.

3.Certificate Eligibility Pathway 2

Meets the standards of the PSEL through coursework, equivalent training experiences, submission of a portfolio with criteria, or successful completion of an assessment (in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13).

4.Conditional Certificate

(a) Meets the requirements of Section 4.5. B.1.a and c, above;

(b) Meets the standards of the PSEL related to budgeting, fiscal resources, supervision, and evaluation;

(c) Meets at least five of the other standards of the PSEL; and

(d) Meets the internship requirement for this certificate specified in Section 4.5. B.1.e, above, or has a supervised internship plan approved by the Department prior to the issuance of the conditional certificate.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completed an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, completed a minimum of six credits of approved study.

4.6Certificate 045: Assistant Building Administrator

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as assistant principal, assistant administrator of career and technical education or teaching principal.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by the following pathway. Individuals who are not eligible through this pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.6. B.2, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of three years of satisfactory public school teaching experience, or a minimum of three years of equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary institution, industry, school);

(c) Completed approved courses in the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law; and

(d) Evidence through coursework or equivalent training experiences of knowledge in the following areas:

i. Supervision and evaluation of personnel; and

ii. Organizational theory and planning.

2.Conditional Certificate

(a) Meets the requirements specified in Sections 4.6. B.1.a and b, above; and

(b) Meets two of the three requirements in Sections 4.6. B.1.c.i, 4.6. B.1.d.i, and 4.6. B.1.d.ii.

(c) Special Condition: Evaluation of staff is not permitted until the holder meets the knowledge area supervision of school personnel specified in Section 4.6.B.1.d.i.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completion of an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, a minimum of six credits of approved study.

4.7Certificate 057: Teaching Principal

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as principal of a pre-kindergarten through grade 8 school for less than 50 percent of the school day. A teaching principal shall have release time during regular school hours to perform ongoing and substantial administrative duties and shall also have a teaching assignment.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by the following pathway.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Holds a Maine teaching certificate issued with an endorsement corresponding to the grade level to be served; and

(c) Evidence of a minimum of three years of satisfactory public or private school teaching experience, or a minimum of three years of equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary institution, industry, school).

2.Special Condition: Evaluation of staff is not permitted until the holder meets the knowledge area supervision of school personnel specified in Section 4.7. C.3.a, below.

C.Renewal Requirements

All of the following requirements shall be met for the first and subsequent renewals of a teaching principal certificate.

1. Completion of an approved teacher professional renewal plan;

2. Completed through approved courses the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law; and

3. Evidence of a basic level of knowledge through coursework or through equivalent training experiences in the following knowledge areas:

(a) Supervision and evaluation of personnel; and

(b) Organizational theory and planning.

4.8Certificate 066: Adult and Community Education Director

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as director of adult and community education programs or assistant director of adult and community education programs authorized by 20-A M.R.S.A. Chapter 315.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by meeting Section 4.8. B.1. Individuals who are not eligible through this pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.8. B.2, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of one year of satisfactory public or private school teaching experience, or a minimum of one year of equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary institution, industry, schools), which shall include a minimum of 1000 teaching hours;

(c) Completed approved courses in the following two knowledge areas:

i. Federal and Maine civil rights law and education laws; and

ii. Special education law;

(e) Evidence of knowledge through coursework, equivalent training experiences, submission of a portfolio with criteria, or successful completion of an assessment (in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13) in the following knowledge areas:

i. Adult literacy;

ii. Adult career development; and

iii. Adult education, philosophy, and theory; and

(f) Satisfactory completion of an approved internship or practicum relating to the duties of an adult and community education director, which shall take place in a school setting and be met by one of the following:

i. Completion of a graduate level state-approved administrator internship or practicum program with a minimum term of 15 weeks;

ii. Completion of a minimum of one full year of employment as a certified assistant adult and community education director or as an adult and community education director; or

iii. Completion of a mentorship plan reviewed and approved by the Commissioner, with the duration of the plan being one academic year.

2.Conditional Certificate

(a) Eligibility: Meets requirements specified in Section 4.8. B.1.a and .b, above.

(b) Special Condition: Evaluation of staff is not permitted until the holder meets the PSEL standard related to supervision/evaluation.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completed an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, completed a minimum of six credits of approved study.

4.9Certificate 068: Assistant Adult and Community Education Director

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as assistant director of adult and community education programs authorized by 20-A M.R.S.A. Chapter 315.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by the following pathway. Individuals who are not eligible through this pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.9. B.2, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in accordance with Part I Section 6.1 of this rule;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of one year of satisfactory public or private school teaching experience, or a minimum of one year of equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary, industry, schools), which shall include a minimum of 1000 teaching hours;

(c) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom; and

(d) Satisfactory completion of an approved internship or practicum relating to the duties of an assistant adult and community education director, which shall take place in a school setting and be met by one of the following:

i. Completion of a graduate level state-approved administrator internship or practicum program with a minimum term of 15 weeks;

ii. Completion of a minimum of one full year of employment as a certified assistant adult and community education director or as a certified assistant adult and community education director; or

iii. Completion of a mentorship plan reviewed and approved by the Commissioner, with the duration of the plan being for one academic year.

2.Conditional Certificate

Meets the requirements of Section 4.9. B.1.a and b, above.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completed an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, completed a minimum of six credits of approved study.

4.10Certificate 078: Curriculum Coordinator

A.Function: This certificate allows the holder to serve as curriculum coordinator or instructional supervisor.

B.Eligibility: Applicants shall meet eligibility requirements specified in Part I. In addition, eligibility for this certificate shall be established by meeting Section 4.10. B.1. Individuals who are not eligible through this pathway may be eligible for a conditional certificate, in accordance with Section 4.10. B.2, below, and Part I Section 6.6 of this rule.

1.Requirements for Eligibility

(a) Earned an advanced degree, in the field of education or leadership, from an accredited college or university;

(b) Evidence of a minimum of three years of satisfactory public or private school teaching experience, or a minimum of three years or equivalent teaching experience in an instructional setting (e.g., military, business, post-secondary institution, industry, schools);

(c) Completed an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom;

(d) Meets the standards of the PSEL through coursework, equivalent training experiences, submission of a portfolio with criteria, or successful completion of an assessment (in accordance with Maine Department of Education Regulation 13); and

(e) Satisfactory Completion of an approved internship or practicum based on the PSEL and relating to the duties of a curriculum coordinator in a school setting met by one of the following:

i. Completed a graduate level state-approved administrator internship or practicum program with a minimum term of 15 weeks;

ii. Completed a minimum of one full year of employment as a curriculum coordinator; or

iii. Completed a mentorship plan reviewed and approved by the Commissioner, with the duration of the plan being one academic year.

2.Conditional Certificate

(a) Meets the requirements of Section 4.10. B.1.a and c, above;

(b) Meets the standard of PSEL related to curriculum, instruction and assessment; and

(c) Meets at least five of the other standards of the PSEL.

C.Renewal Requirements

1. For those employed in Maine under this certificate, completed an approved administrator action plan.

2. For those not employed in Maine under this certificate, completed a minimum of six credits of approved study.

05-071 C.M.R. ch. 115, § II-4