TN HB1888

State Board of Education may waive educator licensure requirements for individuals without a bachelor's degree who have at least 5 consecutive years of full-time teaching experience at state-approved church-related or private schools

Applicants must provide written verification of satisfactory performance from their school administrator, documentation of instructional duties similar to public school teachers, and evidence of professional development training

Waiver recipients must submit to fingerprint-based criminal background checks through the TBI and FBI and may teach in LEAs or public charter schools for up to 3 years unless renewed

Employing schools must provide annual performance evaluations; the waiver does not grant a practitioner teacher license but may be converted to one under conditions set by the State Board

Takes effect July 1, 2026 for implementation, with immediate effect for rulemaking purposes