The Alabama Senate unanimously passed legislation last week that would soften certification requirements to better allow military veterans to teach.
Senate Bill 149, which was filed by Sen. Matt Woods and Rep. Rick Rehm, would allow the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to issue temporary teaching certificates to eligible veterans who would otherwise need at least a bachelor’s degree. In doing so, veterans would be able to teach any K-12 grade.
“Veterans offer a unique perspective, which is needed across many careers, including in our classrooms. When we pass Senate Bill 149, we will create a pathway for more veterans to help educate the next generation,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “Not only will we be providing a quality education for children across our state and getting more teachers in the classroom, we will allow more veterans to be gainfully employed when returning from service. This legislation will go a long way for students and veterans alike.”
During her State of the State address on Jan. 13, Ivey outlined SB149 as one of her legislative priorities. Woods said not only would this bill address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage, but will also help veterans continue their service.
“This bill not only strengthens our teacher recruitment efforts, but also creates a clear, meaningful pathway for Alabama’s veterans to continue serving by bringing their leadership, discipline and real-world experience into our classrooms,” said Woods. “Our students, our veterans and communities across the state of Alabama will all benefit from this important partnership.”
If the bill becomes law, ALSDE would issue a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate to applicants who meet specific criteria, which include:
•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 2.5 GPA
•Obtain a passing score on the Praxis test of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program
Under the proposal, the certificate would be nonrenewable and only valid for five years.
Rehm said as an Army veteran himself, he has seen firsthand the skills veterans bring to the workforce – specifically within the teaching industry.
“I think it is important for our students to be exposed to the experiences that military veterans can bring to the classroom,” he said. “I appreciate Governor Ivey’s leadership and support for policies like the Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate, which will strengthen teacher recruitment and reinforce Alabama’s reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation.”
The legislation now goes to the Alabama House of Representatives.