The U.S. Department of Education requires that only teachers who have met the highly qualified requirements be allowed to teach core academic subjects. Exceptional student education (ESE) teachers who deliver direct instruction to students with disabilities in core academic subject areas as defined by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and the 2004 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) must meet the appropriate state special education certification requirements for the grade level and exceptionality of the students being taught, in addition to meeting the same standard for subject matter competency to be highly qualified.

It is important to note that current Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules relating to classification of teachers reported for Florida purposes as “infield” or “out-of-field” are not the same as the federal highly qualified designation requirements. Thus, a teacher may be considered “infield” pursuant to the requirements of the Florida Course Code Directory but will not be classified as a highly qualified teacher in the NCLB reporting.

Additionally, five endorsement areas are required in ESE: gifted, severe/profound disabilities, mobility skills for visually impaired, prekindergarten (PreK) disabilities, and autism. The gifted endorsement and orientation and mobility endorsement are currently required. Endorsement in the areas of severe or profound disabilities, PreK disabilities, and autism will be required by July 1, 2011.

For specific questions about highly qualified requirements or certification as it relates to current teaching assignments, contact your personnel department at your local school district office. District contact information is available at http://www.fldoe.org/eias/flmove/eias.asp.