KRS 161.100 and 16 KAR 2:120 set the requirements for an emergency teaching certificate. If a district is unable to fill a certified teaching position with a qualified teacher, the district may choose to fill the position with a person who meets minimum qualifications for emergency certification. Upon approval of the local board of education, the district must initiate the application for emergency certification in the KECS Portal. Please contact the local district for inquiries related to emergency certification.
Requirements for Emergency Certification for Teaching
- May be used when there are no qualified applicants for a teaching vacancy.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or 2.75 in the last 30 hours.
- This certificate is renewable one time (max of two issuances), except under two conditions:
- Certificate was issued for less than 50% of teaching schedule; or
- Request submitted after Feb. 15.
Under Section 612(a)(14) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 34 C.F.R. § 300.156, special education teachers must have obtained full state certification as a special education teacher or be participating in a qualifying alternative route to certification. Emergency certificates do not meet the requirements for special education teachers under the IDEA. Kentucky will no longer issue emergency certificates for teaching exceptional children or interdisciplinary early childhood. Emergency teaching certificates may be issued for all other areas of teacher certification.
