Download: Complete Bulletin. PDF file.

Although New York State teacher certification requirements changed in February 2004, the regulations governing incidental teaching remain unaffected (See Appendix A). Incidental teaching occurs when a teacher is assigned to teach a subject outside of the teacher's certification area for a period not to exceed five classroom hours a week. Such an assignment may only take place when the district can document that no certified or qualified teacher is available after extensive recruitment. In addition as indicated in Appendix B, the district must obtain approval for an incidental teaching assignment through the BOCES District Superintendent (or in New York City, through the Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education) acting on behalf of the State Education Department.

The request for approval of the incidental teaching assignment must be submitted by the district no later than 20 business days after the assignment and include:

• Evidence of extensive recruitment for a certified teacher in that certification area;

• The name and certification area of the assigned teacher;

• The subject being taught on an incidental basis;

• The total number of classes in that subject being taught on an incidental basis;

• The qualifications of the teacher to teach the subject on an incidental basis;

• The specific reasons why the assignment is necessary;

• The anticipated duration of the assignment; and

• The number of applications, approved or pending, for authorization to make incidental teaching assignments in the same certification area for which the current authorization is being sought.

A determination on the request is to be issued within 20 business days of receipt of the application. If approved, the incidental teaching assignment will terminate on the last day of the school year for which it is granted. If disapproved, the district must discontinue the incidental teaching assignment within seven business days of the receipt of the disapproval notice.

Download: Complete Bulletin. PDF file.