Alabama's Innovative Approach To Solving Teacher Shortage

Gov. Ivey has signed Senate Bill 149, sponsored by Fayette, Jefferson and Lamar counties Senator Matt Woods (R-5) and cosponsored by Pickens, Tuscaloosa counties Senator Gerald Allen (R-21). The legislation creates an avenue for military veterans to reduce the teacher shortage in the state. Henry and Houston counties Rep. Rick Rehm (R-85) carried the bill in the house.

SB 149 authorizes, "...the State Board of Education to grant temporary teaching certificates to veterans who meet certain requirements for providing instruction in certain teaching fields for which the state board otherwise requires a bachelor's degree."

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“Today marks a major step forward not only for our veterans, but also for Alabama’s entire education system,” Sen. Woods stated during the signing ceremony. “By signing SB149 into law, we are building a pathway for our veterans to bring their leadership, experience and real-world knowledge back into our communities. This legislation ensures the next generation will learn from some of the very best our nation has to offer. I’m grateful to Governor Ivey for her steadfast support of both our veterans and our students.”

Gov. Ivey included the legislation in her agenda list introduced during her January State of the State Address, “Service is woven into the fabric of who we are as a state and as a nation, and by signing this bill into law, we are ensuring opportunity follows sacrifice,” Governor Ivey remarked as she signed the bill into law. “Our veterans have already answered the brave call to serve our country. Now, as America nears its 250^th year, we are creating a pathway for our heroes to answer a new call – guiding students, filling critical teacher shortages and continuing their mission of service right here at home."

Under the new law, the state education department will issue a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate to applicants who:

Document 48 months of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge or medical separation.
Pass a background check.
Are recommended for certification by a local superintendent of education or private K-12 school administrator.
Have completed 60 college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0; and
Obtain a passing score on the Praxis test of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program.

The law takes effect October 1, lasts five years and is not renewable.