Bill > SB1454

This bill modifies Arizona's teacher certification regulations, expanding pathways for individuals to become teachers while maintaining certain core requirements. The bill introduces and refines several types of teaching certificates, including a subject-matter expert standard teaching certificate that allows professionals with relevant expertise to teach in kindergarten through 12th grade without traditional education credentials. Key changes include creating more flexible alternative teacher preparation programs, establishing a literacy endorsement requirement for teachers in kindergarten through 5th grade by 2025-2028, and allowing more diverse routes to certification. The bill specifically adds new qualifications for subject-matter expert certificates, such as demonstrating proficiency through standardized assessments, having relevant work experience, or receiving principal attestation of expertise. The legislation also maintains important existing requirements like holding a valid fingerprint clearance card and ensures that teachers can renew certificates more easily, with certifications valid for 12-15 years and requiring minimal continuing education. Additionally, the bill simplifies certification reciprocity for teachers from other states and requires the Arizona Department of Education to annually report detailed statistics about teaching certificates.

Education

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82874