KY HB685

Amends KRS 161.030 to create a new pathway for teachers with expired certificates to obtain a 5-year certificate by completing 6 credit hours of graduate coursework and meeting Education Professional Standards Board requirements.

Allows school district superintendents to issue waivers exempting applicants from the 6 graduate credit hour requirement, enabling a one-time 5-year certificate without additional coursework.

Maintains existing certification pathways including professional certificates (5 years), conditional certificates (up to 1 year for those who fail assessments), and temporary certificates (up to 6 months for out-of-state teachers).

Retains the 10-year emeritus certificate for retiring teachers and the one-time 5-year exception certificate for expired Rank I or Rank II certificate holders with 3 years of classroom instruction experience.