Sec. 15. (a) Notwithstanding section 3(b)(6) of this chapter, the department shall grant an initial practitioner’s license in a specific subject area to an applicant who:

(1) has earned a postgraduate degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary educational institution in the subject area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed;

(2) has at least one (1) academic year of experience teaching students in a middle school, high school, or college classroom setting; and

(3) complies with sections 4 and 12 of this chapter.

     (b) An individual who receives an initial practitioner’s license under this section may teach in the specific subject for which the individual is licensed only in:

(1) high school; or

(2) middle school;

if the subject area is designated by the state board as having an insufficient supply of licensed teachers.

     (c) After receiving an initial practitioner’s license under this section, an applicant who seeks to renew the applicant’s initial practitioner’s license or obtain a proficient practitioner’s license must:

(1) demonstrate that the applicant has:

(A) participated in cultural competency professional development activities;

(B) obtained training and information from a special education teacher concerning exceptional learners; and

(C) received:

(i) training or certification that complies; or

(ii) an exemption from compliance;

with the standards prescribed by the state board under IC 20-28-5.5-1(b) or IC 20-28-5.5-1.5; and

(2) meet the same requirements as other candidates.

As added by P.L.75-2008, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.121-2009, SEC.11; P.L.92-2020, SEC.51; P.L.250-2023, SEC.26.