SB260 Summary

• Requires the Department of Education to employ individuals as vocational, technical, or career pathway teachers beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

• Authorizes vocational, technical, or career pathway teachers to teach without possessing a bachelor's degree if they meet criteria established by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, including relevant trade or industry experience and appropriate licenses or certificates.

• Modifies teacher licensing requirements to allow the department and charter schools to hire qualified individuals for vocational, technical, or career pathway positions outside normal emergency hiring procedures.

• Directs the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to develop criteria allowing individuals with trade or industry experience to teach in these programs and to evaluate relevant vocational certifications and qualifications as alternatives to bachelor's degrees.

• Takes effect July 1, 2023.