SB209 Summary

• Reduces the required time holding an alternative teaching certificate from three years to one year before qualifying for a professional educator certificate.

• Authorizes the State Board of Education to approve alternative teacher education preparation organizations and allows the State Superintendent to issue professional educator certificates to individuals completing approved programs.

• Requires approved alternative teacher preparation organizations to have operated successfully in at least five states and for at least 10 years, and to require applicants to pass subject area or professional teaching examinations.

• Allows individuals with professional educator certificates from approved alternative programs to teach in subject areas and educational levels completed through their preparation program and to renew licenses on the same basis as traditionally certified teachers.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.