The requirement that teachers be highly qualified applies to all public elementary or secondary school teachers employed by a local educational agency who teach a core academic subject. “Highly qualified” means that the teacher:

a. Has obtained full Texas teacher certification, including appropriate special education certification for special education teachers, and has not had certification requirements waived on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis (see question 31); and

b. Holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; and

c. Has demonstrated subject matter competency in each of the academic subjects in which the teacher teaches, in a manner determined by TEA and in compliance with Section 9101(23) of ESEA.