Bill > SB1614

This bill modifies existing laws concerning teachers in Oklahoma, primarily focusing on the state-supported teacher induction program and alternative teaching certification. The induction program, administered by the State Department of Education, will now explicitly support first-year teachers through professional development, mentorship, and coaching to improve their effectiveness and retention, with all school districts required to participate starting in the 2026-2027 school year; funding for this program can come from legislative appropriations, grants, and external partners. Additionally, the bill updates requirements for alternative teaching certificates, allowing individuals with terminal degrees or qualified work experience to obtain them, and clarifies that holders of these certificates are considered "inductees" for the purposes of the induction program. It also revises rules for adjunct teachers, specifying they must have high school diplomas and distinguished qualifications in their fields, are not required to meet standard certification, and cannot be full-time math or English teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade. The bill also makes technical changes to statutory language and references, and declares an emergency, making its provisions effective upon passage and approval, with a general effective date of July 1, 2026.