HB308 Summary

• Allows alternative teacher education preparation organizations that lack the standard prerequisites to gain approval if they are certified by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation.

• Requires organizations certified by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation to have begun an application with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation by April 1, 2024, and removes this certification as a qualifying pathway on October 1, 2026.

• Maintains existing requirements for approved alternative teacher programs: applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, pass a criminal background check, and complete an approved preparation program with an examination aligned to Alabama standards.

• Teachers who receive professional educator certificates through alternative programs may apply for professional renewal licenses and must participate in the Alabama Teacher Mentorship Program if hired by a participating local school board.

• Effective October 1, 2024.