Sec. 21.049.  ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION.  (a)  To provide a continuing additional source of qualified educators, the board shall propose rules providing for educator certification programs as an alternative to traditional educator preparation programs.  The rules may not provide that a person may be certified under this section only if there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district or subject area.
(b)  The board may not require a person employed as a teacher in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 or a juvenile justice alternative education program under Section 37.011 for at least three years to complete an alternative educator certification program adopted under this section before taking the appropriate certification examination.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.