Bill > SB2109

This bill allows the Tennessee State Board of Education to grant a waiver for the standard educator licensure requirement for individuals who do not possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution, provided they have at least five consecutive years of full-time teaching experience at an approved church-related or private school, demonstrate satisfactory performance and classroom effectiveness through verification from their former school's chief administrator, show evidence of performing instructional duties similar to licensed public school teachers, and have completed professional development training during their teaching tenure. Additionally, applicants must undergo a criminal history records check, and if granted a waiver, they can be employed as a teacher in a Local Education Agency (LEA) or public charter school for up to three years, with annual performance evaluations required, and the waiver does not equate to a practitioner teacher license, though the State Board will establish criteria for review, evaluation, potential enrollment in an educator preparation program, and renewal or revocation of these waivers.