HB 2279 Summary

• Establishes a Troops to Teachers Alternative Certification Program administered by the State Board of Education to attract eligible Armed Forces members into teaching positions in Oklahoma public schools.

• Allows individuals meeting program eligibility criteria to obtain a Troops to Teachers Alternative Certificate by completing a minimum of 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of professional education (excludes student teaching requirements).

• Requires alternative certification candidates to hold a baccalaureate degree with a major in their subject area and pass subject-specific competency exams, while exempting them from general education exam portions.

• Mandates Oklahoma higher education institutions implement Troops to Teachers Alternative programs in at least four specialization areas (including mathematics, science, and foreign language) to maintain teacher education accreditation.

• Authorizes federal DANTES program to provide up to $5,000 one-time stipend and $10,000 bonus to eligible participants who teach in Oklahoma public schools; effective July 1, 2012.