FL S0896

Authorizes the Department of Education to issue a temporary certificate to military servicemembers with 48 months of active-duty service and an honorable discharge or medical separation, requiring 60 college credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA instead of a bachelor's degree.

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

Establishes temporary certificates issued under the military pathway as valid for 5 school fiscal years, limited to one-time issuance, and nonrenewable, while traditional temporary certificates remain valid for 3 school fiscal years.

Waives initial examination and certification fees for honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces or reserve components and their spouses or surviving spouses.

Effective July 1, 2022.