MS HB105

Authorizes the State Department of Education to issue a Standard License through a Nontraditional Teaching Route to individuals holding a master's, educational specialist's, or doctoral degree in any subject matter who complete at least 18 hours of coursework in their content area with a grade of "C" or higher.

Requires applicants under the nontraditional route to achieve nationally recommended passing scores on both the Praxis Core and Praxis II Specialty Area Test in their requested area of endorsement at the time of application.

Mandates applicants complete additional required coursework in education, effective teaching strategies, classroom management, state curriculum requirements, planning and instruction, instructional methods and pedagogy, and using test results to improve instruction.

Requires applicants to submit official transcripts in sealed envelopes bearing the seal or signature of the registrar from the institution where the degree was earned.

Effective July 1, 2017, and establishes a hiring preference for individuals holding a Standard License - Approved Program Route or Standard License - Nontraditional Teaching Route over persons holding any other license.