what is the law in regards to hiring teachers at a public school?

Question

If 5 people apply for a teacher position at a public school....all 5 get interviewed....3 have teacher certification, another one does not have a teaching certificate.

After the intreview....HR wants to hire the person without teacher certification....

Is there a law that states that HR must hire a person with a teacher certificate before they can hire one without?

Would it be any different if the person is working towards a teaching certificate?

Would it be any different if the school was a 4201 school (i.e. school for the deaf or blind)

I am looking for an answer that is strictly NY State Law based. What does the Law dictate of New York State. Please explain your answers in depth.

Thank you for your time and consideration! I look forward to hearing from you all.

Answer 1

A public school is required by law to hire only certified teachers. In the case you cite, 5 teachers, 3 with certifications, the 2 remaining are legally inelligible, regardless of the wishes of the school district. In most cases, these two would not have even been interviewed because they lack the basic requirements for the position. Private schools are under less restrictions, but even there, a certified teacher would be the choice.
In the case of a school for the deaf or blind, there is a requirement for special education certifications as well.