Part Time Teaching Licenses: Idaho

Analysis of Idaho's policies

Idaho does not offer a license with minimal requirements that would allow content experts to teach part time.

Recommendations for Idaho

Offer a license that allows content experts to serve as part-time instructors.
Idaho should permit individuals with deep subject-area knowledge to teach a limited number of courses without fulfilling a complete set of certification requirements.  The state should verify content knowledge through a rigorous test and conduct background checks as appropriate, while waiving all other licensure requirements. Such a license would increase districts' flexibility to staff certain subjects, including many STEM areas, that are frequently hard to staff or may not have high enough enrollment to necessitate a full-time position. 

State response to our analysis

Idaho contended that it has attempted to create options for this type of license, but any attempts seem to be out of compliance with Title IIA regulations. The state asserted that NCTQ's recommendations are in conflict with the requirement that any teacher of record be fully certified in addition to having content area expertise. Idaho asked NCTQ for advice on how other states have dealt with the Title IIA requirement.

Last word

NCTQ recommends that Idaho look at the licenses offered by Arkansas and Georgia. The requirement of passing a subject-matter test should meet HQT requirements.