Bill > A871

Introduced Session

This bill requires the State Board of Education to authorize a Teacher of the Blind or Visually Impaired Kindergarten through Grade 12 endorsement to the instructional certificate. Under the bill, the holder of a Teacher of the Blind or Visually Impaired Kindergarten through Grade 12 endorsement is permitted to teach blind or visually impaired students in all public schools in grades kindergarten through 12 without requiring the candidate to obtain another subject or grade level endorsement. A candidate for this endorsement is required to complete a State-approved Teacher of the Blind or Visually impaired program and meet any other requirements established by the State Board. Under current law, the Teacher of the Blind or Visually Impaired endorsement is not a stand-alone certificate, and candidates are required to hold an instructional certificate with an endorsement appropriate to the subject or grade level being taught. With a nationwide shortage of teachers of blind or visually impaired students, this bill helps school districts find and employ qualified candidates to fill these empty positions by lifting unnecessary and burdensome requirements.

AI Summary

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Gerry Scharfenberger (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document