Notice to All Recruits – This message is for new teachers hired as of July 1, 2009.
Exceptional student education (ESE) teachers who deliver direct instruction to students with disabilities in core academic subject areas as defined by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) must meet the appropriate state special education certification requirements for the grade level AND exceptionality of the students being taught, in addition to meeting the same standard for subject matter competency to be highly qualified (HQ). Therefore, effective July 1, 2009, all ESE teachers are required to have a passing subject area exam for the core academic subject AND the exceptionality of the students being taught.