New regulations governing teacher certification will create several new certificate titles. As of February 2, 2005, teachers of subjects or classes in new certificate areas will need to hold either valid certificates in those areas or a Statement of Continued Eligibility (SOCE). For New York state certification purposes, a SOCE will be the equivalent of a permanent certificate in the new title. The requirements of Part 80 apply to all teachers who to teach G/T beginning in fall of 2005. The SOCE is intended to prevent teachers most recently hired in G/T positions from being the first fired in the event of downsizing.

Teachers who teach subjects or classes within a gifted and talented program may apply for a SOCE to enable them to continue to legally teach in their respective area. The SOCE will be transferable among New York state school districts. To be eligible for the SOCE, teachers must have been employed in a public school position in New York State as a teacher within the affected certificate title for 3 of the 5 years immediately preceding February 2, 2004. In addition, applicants must possess a permanent New York State classroom teacher certificate in any title during the 3 years of claimed experience.

Applications must be filed on or before February 1, 2004. SOCEs will be effective September 1, 2005.

Application Requirements

1. Complete OTAPP-1, the Application for Certificate. This is the same Application for Certificate that other teachers submit. It is available on the Web at www.nysed.gov; click on forms, scroll down and click on Teacher Certification Forms, and download the Application for Certificate (the guide is part of the PDF document).
2. Write “9170” in column 1 and “SOCE—Gifted and Talented” in column 2 under question 8, Certificate Requested and Fees.
3. Enclose a copy of the resolution by the local board(s) of education appointing the applicant to the qualifying position.
4. Enclose a letter on school district letterhead from the employing superintendent stating that the individual has taught in the respective area for the specified amount of time. Dates of employment must be included.
5. Include a money order in the amount of $100.00, made payable to The New York State Education Department, and mail the completed application with attachments to The New York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives, P.O. Box 22064, Albany, NY 12201.
   
   The text of the relevant regulation follows. Questions regarding the Statement of Continued Eligibility are directed to (518) 474-4661.

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Subpart 80-4: Requirements for Extensions and Annotations of Certificates Applies for on or After February 2, 2004
Section 80-4.3 (d)

(d) Requirements for the extension for gifted education. (1) This extension shall authorize the candidate to provide education for gifted pupils, as such term is defined in section 4452 of the Education Law, within a gifted and talented program which is funded pursuant to the Education Law and in accordance with Part 142 of this Title.

(2) The candidate shall meet the requirements in each of the following subparagraphs:

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid provisional, permanent, initial, or professional certificate in the classroom teaching service.

(ii) The candidate shall complete a program registered pursuant to section 52.2 l(b)(4)(v) of this Title, or its equivalent [transcript evaluation].

(iii) The candidate shall complete the New York State Teacher Certification Examination content specialty test in gifted education.

(3) Statement of continued eligibility. (i) A person employed in a position in New York State as a teacher within a gifted and talented program which is funded pursuant to the Education Law and in accordance with Part 142 of this Title for three of the five years immediately preceding February 2, 2004, may be issued a statement of continued eligibility pursuant to which such person may continue to teach in such a program without the extension prescribed in this subdivision, provided such person holds a permanent certificate in the classroom teaching service.

(ii) A statement of continued eligibility shall be limited to the specific permanent certificate held authorizing classroom teaching service, as prescribed in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, but shall be valid for service in any school district.

(iii) Applications for the statement of continued eligibility must be filed with the department on or before February 1, 2004.