Sec. 86.1. Definitions

For purposes of Education Law, section 3004-a and of this Part:

(a) Eligible teacher shall mean a teacher who:

(1) is currently teaching in a public school in New York State;

(2) holds tenure;

(3) is a graduate of an accredited college or university;

(4) holds a valid New York State teaching certificate or a valid teaching license issued pursuant to law or regulation by the superintendent of schools of the city school district of Buffalo or by the chancellor of the city school district of the City of New York;

(5) was accepted as a certificate candidate by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards on or after April 1, 1999, or has made application to the national board for acceptance as a certificate candidate on or after September 1, 1999; and

(6) has not previously received funding pursuant to Education Law, section 3004-a, the Albert Shanker National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Grant Program.

(b) Sponsoring school district shall mean a public school district or board of cooperative educational services (BOCES) which employs an eligible teacher who seeks national board certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and which approves such eligible teacher's leave to seek such certification.