Bill > SB1311

This bill makes several significant changes to teacher licensure requirements in Tennessee, introducing more flexible pathways for individuals to become educators while maintaining certain quality standards. The bill allows local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to request emergency teaching credentials from the Commissioner of Education when they cannot find a fully licensed teacher, including temporary academic permits for those with bachelor's degrees and temporary clinical permits for individuals enrolled in educator preparation programs (EPPs) who are near completion. The bill establishes that these emergency credentials are valid only until June 30 following their issuance and cannot be renewed for clinical permits. For teachers holding multiple temporary academic permits, the bill creates a pathway to obtain a limited license, which is valid for two years, provided the teacher meets performance and recommendation criteria. The legislation also introduces a new occupational teaching license track for professionals with relevant work experience, requiring mentor support and professional training, and mandates that teachers teaching courses with end-of-course examinations either have a specific subject endorsement or demonstrate content knowledge through testing. Additionally, the bill updates requirements for physical education teachers and streamlines some existing licensure regulations, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1311&ga=114