Contracts and Licensing

Teacher Contract

Master Contract for the 2021-2022 School Year

Licensing

The Human Resources Department is committed to ensuring that each Elkhart Community Schools Certified Teacher is highly qualified and appropriately certified. We will provide all teachers with consistent reminders related to obtaining Indiana licensure as a first year teacher or as a teacher from another state. We will also provide timely and consistent reminders related to license renewals. Be aware that maintaining a current and appropriate license for the area in which you teach is of the utmost importance. Also be reminded that even though the Personnel Department will provide all the support possible, it is the teacher’s ultimate responsibility to maintain appropriate licensure.

Indiana Teacher License Application and Instructions

Teacher Licensing Information

General Licensure Information

The State of Indiana requires that teachers employed by Indiana school corporations be properly certified by the Indiana Professional Standards Board. In addition, Elkhart Community Schools specifically requires that teachers maintain certification in all areas of endorsement. A teacher who fails to comply with this requirement forfeits all right to continued employment. Teachers renewing licenses must first establish an account and renew online.

Initial Teacher's License Information

Reciprocal Teacher's License Information

In addition to the items that must accompany all teachers’ license applications, the teacher requesting a reciprocal license must send a copy of his/her out-of-state license. If the teacher graduated from an out-of-state institution of higher learning, an NCATE form (completed by the college) must also be included with the application. For additional information, please visit: https://www.in.gov/doe/educators/educator-licensing/teacher/

For information about converting a reciprocal teacher's permit to a standard license, please visit: https://www.in.gov/doe/educators/educator-licensing/convert-reciprocal-permit-to-standard-license/

Renewal Teacher's License Information

Emergency Teaching Permit (Limited License) Information

In rare instances, Elkhart Community Schools will hire a teacher who does not yet qualify for a regular teacher’s license in the teaching field required. Emergency permits are good for only one school year and can be obtained only in critical shortage areas. The following rules apply:

The teacher must have a Bachelor's degree.
The teacher must have 15 college credits in the shortage area.
The teacher must take 6 credit hours per year toward certification in the shortage area.
The teacher must be able to receive the standard endorsement within three years.
The Human Resources Department applies for the Emergency Permit only after the teacher has been hired.

Transition to Teaching Program

Indiana’s Transition to Teaching program is for college-degreed adults who wish to obtain their teacher certification and move into the school classroom.

Information from the IDOE about the Transition to Teaching Program: https://www.in.gov/doe/educators/educator-licensing/transition-to-teaching/
Approved list of IDOE Approved Transition to Teaching Programs: https://www.in.gov/doe/educators/educator-licensing/approved-transition-to-teaching-programs/

Paraprofessional Licensing Information

The ParaPro Assessment measures the skills and knowledge in reading, writing and math possessed by prospective and practicing paraprofessionals. It also measures their ability to apply those skills and knowledge when assisting in classroom instruction. It was designed to satisfy the requirements of the federally legislated No Child Left Behind Act. Anyone seeking employment as a paraprofessional in the State of Indiana must successfully complete the ParaPro exam. Through our Continuing Education department, we are proud to be a testing site for this exam.

For additional information, please visit our Community Education page or call 574-262-5678.

The ParaPro exam will be offered at Elkhart Adult Education on the following 2022 dates from 5:00-8:00pm. Please enter Door #27 at the Elkhart High School Freshman Division.

Wednesday, June 15
Wednesday, July 20
Wednesday, August 17
Wednesday, Sept 21
Wednesday, Oct 19
Wednesday, Nov 16
Wednesday, Dec 21

IC-20-26-5-4 Compliance Information

Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-26-5-4.7, the Elkhart Community Schools posts hereunder the contract provisions of its Superintendent and certain employees. For questions or additional information, please contact Douglas Thorne, Chief of Staff and District Counsel.

IC-20-26-5-4 Compliance Information
- IC 20-26-5-4.7
  Internet posting of contract provisions for certain employees
  Sec. 4.7. (a) This section does not apply to a:
  (1) superintendent of a school corporation; or
  (2) certificated employee (as defined in IC 20-29-2-4) that is represented by an exclusive representative (as defined in IC 20-29-2-9) under IC 20-29.
  (b) The superintendent shall post the provisions of an employment contract that the school corporation enters into with a certificated employee on the school corporation’s Internet web site.
  As added by P.L.148-2012, SEC.3.
- Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-26-5-4.7, the Elkhart Community Schools posts hereunder the contract provisions of its Superintendent and certain employees. For questions or additional information, please contact Douglas Thorne, Chief of Staff and District Counsel.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Notice of Non-Discrimination
- Elkhart Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person(s) have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
  - Title IX-Sex
    W. Douglas Thorne
    District Counsel/Chief of Staff
    2720 California Road
    Elkhart, IN 46514
    (574) 262-5517 / Email: dthorne@elkhart.k12.in.us
  - Title VI-Race, Color, National Origin and Limited English Proficiency
    W. Douglas Thorne
    District Counsel/Chief of Staff
    2720 California Road
    Elkhart, IN 46514
    (574) 262-5517 / Email: dthorne@elkhart.k12.in.us
  - Title VII
    W. Douglas Thorne
    District Counsel/Chief of Staff
    2720 California Road
    Elkhart, IN 46514
    (574) 262-5517 / Email: dthorne@elkhart.k12.in.us
  - §504 and Americans with Disabilities Act – Handicap/Disability
    Anthony England
    Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Learners
    2720 California Road
    Elkhart, IN 46514
    (574) 262-5542 / Email: aengland@elkhart.k12.in.us
  - Resolutions
    - Resolution regarding Title IX

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