ID H0221

Establishes LEA-specific teaching certificates as an alternative to standard teaching certificates, available only for teachers within that individual local education agency (school district or public charter school).

Requires teachers with LEA-specific certificates to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or for career technical education, satisfy existing provisions in Idaho Code section 33-2205(6)(a).

Mandates LEA-specific certificate holders receive mentoring and professional development as approved by the LEA, with the state board of education issuing certificates upon LEA request unless denied under grounds specified in Idaho Code section 33-1208.

Places first-year LEA-specific certificate holders in the first cell of the residency compensation rung on the career ladder, advancing one cell annually unless they earn professional endorsement or satisfy career technical education requirements.

Makes LEA-specific certificates non-transferable; holders cannot teach at other LEAs and may have education and professional development requirements substituted by their LEA in place of state board of education rules.