(a) For purposes of this subsection, Visiting International Teacher Program is defined as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program officially approved by the United States Department of State.
(b) The State Board for Educator Certification will issue a visiting international teacher certificate to an individual who meets the conditions and requirements specified in this subsection. The individual must:
  (1) meet appropriate requirements prescribed in §230.11(b)(1)-(4) of this title (relating to General Requirements);
  (2) be recommended for certification by a school district participating in a Visiting International Teacher Program;
  (3) hold valid teaching credentials from the country of origin based, at a minimum, on the equivalent of a bachelor's degree issued by an institution of higher education in the United States accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or by the U.S. Department of Education;
  (4) demonstrate English language proficiency and subject matter competence in subject area(s) taught, as verified by the Visiting International Teacher Program sponsor and the employing school district;
  (5) have criminal activity clearance from country of origin;
  (6) pay appropriate fee prescribed by §230.101 of this title (relating to Schedule of Fees for Certification Services); and
  (7) submit fingerprints in accordance with §232.35(c) of this title (relating to Submission of Required Information) and the Texas Education Code, §22.0831.
(c) School districts that recommend educators for visiting international teacher certificates agree to provide the visiting international teachers with intensive supervision consisting of structured guidance and regular ongoing support through a mentoring program.
(d) The Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff shall establish reasonable procedures to implement this section.
(e) The visiting international teacher certificate is valid for three years and may be extended two additional years, for a maximum total of five years, for all candidates actively enrolled in and in good standing with a Visiting International Teacher Program as verified by the employing school district.
(f) Issuance of a visiting international teacher certificate does not prohibit issuance of a one-year certificate following a successful review of credentials, as specified in Chapter 245 of this title (relating to Certification of Educators from Other Countries).

Source Note: The provisions of this §230.41 adopted to be effective August 12, 2012, 37 TexReg 5753; amended to be effective December 27, 2016, 41 TexReg 10309; amended to be effective December 23, 2018, 43 TexReg 8108