AK HB19

Establishes limited language immersion teacher certificates valid only in the area of expertise and subject for which issued, allowing teachers to instruct in non-English languages to students in language immersion programs.

Permits applicants to obtain the certificate upon demonstrating instructional skills and subject matter expertise as required by board regulations, with board authority to require academic training and satisfactory progress.

Requires school district or regional educational attendance area board submission of a request specifying the district/area, subject, and instructional language before the department may issue a certificate.

Prohibits board regulations from requiring minimum examination scores unless the examination is given in the instructional language for which the certificate is valid.

Certificates are initially valid for one year and may be extended or renewed if the requesting school board certifies the person has demonstrated skills in classroom instruction and student assessment.