MS SB2873

Expands the Special License - Expert Citizen teacher certification to allow persons with a master's degree from an accredited college or university and at least 5 years of business or professional experience to qualify for licensure.

Changes the expert citizen-teacher license duration from one year to five years, with the possibility of renewal under established State Department of Education rules.

Allows qualified business and professional personnel to teach specialized or technical courses in public or accredited nonpublic schools upon employment by a local school board and licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Intended to address teacher shortage issues by creating an alternative pathway for experienced professionals to enter the classroom without traditional teacher education program requirements.

Effective July 1, 2017.