(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 and charter school governing 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 (11) and who has expertise in the subject area to be taught. An applicant is 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 or has achieved an industry certification in the subject area to be taught. (2) The Legislature intends that this section allow school districts and charter schools to tap the wealth of talent and expertise represented in Florida’s citizens who may wish to teach in a Florida public school by permitting school districts and charter schools to issue adjunct certificates to qualified applicants.
(3) Adjunct certificateholders should be used primarily as a strategy to enhance the diversity of course offerings offered to all students. School districts and charter schools 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) A school district and charter school may issue an adjunct teaching certificate for a part-time or full-time teaching position; however, an adjunct teaching certificate issued for a full-time teaching position is valid for no more than 5 years and is nonrenewable.
(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. (6) Each school district and charter school shall:(a) Post requirements on its website for the issuance of an adjunct teaching certificate, which must specify the subject area test through which an applicant demonstrates subject area mastery.
(b) Annually report to the department the number of adjunct teaching certificates issued for part-time teaching positions and full-time teaching positions pursuant to this section.
