Bill > HB1323

This bill makes several significant changes to Tennessee's teacher licensure requirements, aimed at addressing teacher shortages and providing more flexible pathways to teaching. The bill introduces new emergency teaching credentials, including temporary academic permits for individuals with bachelor's degrees and temporary clinical permits for those enrolled in educator preparation programs (EPPs) who have nearly completed their coursework. Schools can now request these emergency credentials when they cannot find a fully licensed teacher, with permits valid until June 30th of the issued year. The bill also establishes a new pathway for teachers with multiple temporary academic permits to obtain a limited license, which is valid for two years and requires the teacher to begin transitioning to a full practitioner license. Additionally, the legislation modifies requirements for occupational teaching licenses, allowing individuals with relevant work experience or industry credentials to teach, and creates new rules about teaching courses with end-of-course examinations. The bill requires teachers without specific subject endorsements to demonstrate content knowledge through testing or obtain a license endorsement exemption, and mandates that physical education classes be taught by educators with appropriate credentials. These changes are designed to help schools fill teaching positions while maintaining educational standards and providing structured pathways for non-traditional educators to enter the teaching profession.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1323&ga=114