MS HB1557

Requires the State Board of Education to waive minimum passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination and Praxis II examination for nontraditional teaching route applicants when a critical teacher shortage exists in the state.

Authorizes the State Board of Education to establish rules for awarding a special, nonrenewable five-year teacher license to educators who do not meet requirements for standard licenses (traditional or alternative route) or expert citizen licenses.

Changes the maximum duration of the special nonrenewable license from three (3) years to five (5) years to help alleviate teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and communities.

Applies to applicants seeking standard licenses through the nontraditional teaching route, allowing exam score waivers only during periods when the state experiences a critical shortage of teachers as determined by the State Board of Education.

Effective date: July 1, 2020.