The State of New York is now offering teachers from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who were displaced by Hurricane Maria temporary certifications.
New York's Board of Regents made the announcement Monday.
It comes as part of an emergency measure effective Tuesday, as many students who were forced from their homes during the storm must now take classes in the states.
Along with those students comes a higher demand for teachers who can help them adjust to their new learning environments.
To qualify for the temporary certifications, teachers must meet the following four criteria:
First, candidates must already have a valid certificate or authorization to teach in Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory.
Along with that, candidates must meet certification requirements in the Commissioner's regulations. This includes all workshops and a criminal history check.
Candidates will also have to provide proof of employment from a public school in the region affected by Hurricane Maria, equivalent to the title and type they're looking for here in New York. Proof of employment can be in the form of a W-2 or recent pay stub.
And finally, teachers looking to become certified must also have a commitment of employment from a school district or through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services for a year in the discipline in which they hope to teach.
The certifications are non-renewable and are valid through June 30, 2018.
