Bill > HB1825

This bill extends the maximum period that unlicensed individuals can be hired on an emergency basis by the Hawaii Department of Education and charter schools from three years to five years, allowing these educators more time to complete the necessary requirements for full teaching licensure. The legislation acknowledges the challenges faced by these emergency hires who are often working full-time while pursuing their credentials, and aims to reduce teacher turnover by providing a more realistic timeline for licensure, thereby promoting classroom stability and improving student outcomes. The bill also clarifies that during this extended period, individuals must actively work towards obtaining their teaching license each year, and in cases of a declared state of emergency, the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB), which is the state agency responsible for teacher licensing and professional development, can grant further extensions for licensure completion.

Business and Industry, Education, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1825&year=2026