FL H0573

Authorizes the Department of Education to issue temporary certificates to military servicemembers with 48 months of active-duty service and an honorable discharge or medical separation who complete specific requirements including 60 college credits with a 2.5 minimum GPA and subject area content competency.

Requires servicemembers issued temporary certificates under the new military pathway to be assigned a teacher mentor for a minimum of 2 school years, with mentors holding a valid professional certificate, at least 3 years of teaching experience, and an effective or highly effective performance rating.

Temporary certificates for military servicemembers are valid for 5 school fiscal years, limited to one-time issuance, and nonrenewable, with the State Board of Education authorized to extend validity for 2 additional years under specified circumstances including serious illness, family military service, or extraordinary extenuating circumstances.

Waives initial examination and certification fees for honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces or reserve components who served on active duty, and for spouses or surviving spouses of such veterans.

Effective date: July 1, 2022.