(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department shall issue a license to teach in grades nine through twelve (9-12) to any person who has taught at an eligible postsecondary institution as defined in § 49-4-902 and who meets the qualifications listed in this section. The license shall bear an endorsement to teach only in the subject area in which the person taught at the eligible postsecondary institution.

(b) Any applicant seeking teacher licensure pursuant to this section shall:

(1)

(A) Have been a full-time college professor or instructor for at least two (2) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902; or

(B) Have been a part-time college professor or instructor, teaching at least one (1) course per semester, for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902;

(2) Submit for review by the department or a partnering institution of higher education at least three (3) years of documented teaching evaluations that rate the applicant for licensure as proficient or better in the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure. The teaching evaluations required by this subdivision (b)(2) shall have been administered by the institution at which the applicant taught. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to define proficiency in evaluations;

(3) [Deleted by 2019 amendment.]

(4) [Deleted by 2019 amendment.]

(5) Successfully complete all exams required for licensure for the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure.