(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 1012.32, 1012.55, and 1012.56, or any other provision of law or rule to the contrary, district school boards shall adopt rules to allow for the issuance of an adjunct teaching certificate to any applicant who fulfills the requirements of s. 1012.56(2)(a)-(f) and (10) and who has expertise in the subject area to be taught. An applicant shall be considered to have expertise in the subject area to be taught if the applicant demonstrates sufficient subject area mastery through passage of a subject area test. The adjunct teaching certificate shall be used for part-time teaching positions.

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   (2) The Legislature intends that this section allow school districts to tap the wealth of talent and expertise represented in Florida’s citizens who may wish to teach part-time in a Florida public school by permitting school districts to issue adjunct certificates to qualified applicants.

   (3) Adjunct certificateholders should be used as a strategy to enhance the diversity of course offerings offered to all students. School districts may use the expertise of individuals in the state who wish to provide online instruction to students by issuing adjunct certificates to qualified applicants.

   (4) Each adjunct teaching certificate is valid through the term of the annual contract between the educator and the school district. An additional annual certification and an additional annual contract may be awarded by the district at the district’s discretion but only if the applicant is rated effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34 during each year of teaching under adjunct teaching certification.

   (5) Individuals who are certified and employed under this section shall have the same rights and protection of laws as teachers certified under s. 1012.56.

s. 730, ch. 2002-387; s. 44, ch. 2003-391; s. 18, ch. 20