Bill > SB2551

This bill requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to create a new, alternative permit for visiting international educators that aligns with the duration of their J-1 visa program, which is a federal program designed to bring foreign teachers to the U.S. for cultural exchange and to address teacher shortages. Currently, international teachers on J-1 visas often face significant hurdles in getting their foreign licenses recognized in Hawaii, requiring them to pass costly and time-consuming exams that they may not be able to complete within the typical three-year visa period, thus preventing them from staying for the full five years allowed by the program. This new permit aims to simplify the process, allowing these educators to teach for the entire duration of their exchange program, thereby enhancing classroom diversity, improving student learning outcomes, and ensuring Hawaii benefits from their expertise for a longer period. This provision will be in effect until June 30, 2031.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2551&year=2026