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Committee advances bill creating limited occupational teacher license for CTE staffing
Summary
The subcommittee approved House Bill 13-23 to create a new limited occupational teacher license and to streamline multiple existing emergency and endorsement pathways so local districts can hire qualified industry professionals for career and technical education without requiring them to complete an educator preparation program.
An unnamed sponsor explained to the Education Administration subcommittee that House Bill 13-23 would create a new limited occupational teacher license that LEAs and public charter schools could issue without requiring industry professionals to enroll in an educator preparation program.
The sponsor said the measure is aimed at counties and subjects experiencing teacher shortages, especially in career and technical education (CTE), and intends to streamline existing, scattered statutory requirements. It would allow certain occupational practitioners and those with postsecondary teaching experience to receive endorsements or temporary permits to teach end-of-course subjects while clarifying emergency credential language across the code.
Committee members voiced support. Chairman White thanked the sponsor for sustained work on the issue; other members said the bill would help staff CTE courses and address vacancies identified in the 2023–24 school year when the sponsor said there were 1,434 unfilled teaching positions across Tennessee.
A departmental representative, identified as Mr. Powers, attended to answer technical questions if needed, the sponsor said. After discussion the clerk announced six ayes and the subcommittee advanced the bill to full Education Committee.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 13-23 — advanced to full Education Committee, clerk announced 6 ayes.
