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House passes bill creating limited occupational teacher licenses amid debate on pay and standards
Summary
The House approved a bill allowing limited occupational teacher licenses and exemptions to address teacher shortages; proponents said the change fills vacant classrooms, opponents urged attention to pay and long-term retention.
The House passed Senate Bill 13-11 (substituted from House Bill 13-23), which creates a new limited occupational teacher license and allows the commissioner discretion to issue endorsements or exemptions so qualified industry professionals can teach courses that include end-of-course assessments.
Representative Hicks, sponsor of the bill, described it as a tool to address teacher shortages by permitting individuals with significant occupational experience — for example, plumbers, electricians, or skilled tradespeople — to teach career and technical instruction without returning to college for a full teaching credential. "It allows for if you have a plumber or electrician ... they will be able to do this without going back to college," Hicks said while outlining requirements such as mentor teachers and experience thresholds.
Opponents raised concerns that the measure could lower classroom standards if used as a substitute for addressing root causes of teacher shortage, such as pay and working conditions. Representative Johnson argued the state should prioritize retaining and recruiting credentialed teachers through compensation and support rather than expanding temporary or alternative licensing. "We are losing teachers because we're not making it attractive," Johnson said.
Supporters said the bill includes accountability measures: limited licenses are valid for three years and renewal depends on evaluations; candidates must have relevant five-year experience in their field and active occupational licenses. Representative Hicks said the license would include mentor support, and renewal would require satisfactory performance ratings.
The House moved the bill through committee and onto the floor; after debate and questions about evaluation, physical education credentialing and the relationship to end-of-course assessments, the House adopted the bill on recorded vote.
The law adds a pathway for industry professionals to enter classrooms under a limited license, paired with mentor oversight and performance standards. Lawmakers on both sides suggested further work is needed on pay, retention and how to record when students have been instructed by a limited-license teacher for accountability purposes.
