Committee clears HB 122 to change TEAMS contract terms for math and science teachers
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Summary
HB 122, presented by Representative Baker on behalf of Representative Collins, removes a prior five-year mandatory TEAMS contract and standardizes contract paths so TEAMS participants may be placed on preliminary one-year contracts that roll up to an advanced contract of up to three years based on certification progress; committee voted 9-0.
Representative Baker presented HB 122 as an update to the TEAMS teacher contract program intended to expand equitable treatment among participating teachers and address superintendent feedback. Baker said the original program successfully increased certified math and science teachers but that superintendents felt constrained by a five-year mandatory contract requirement.
Under the bill as explained by Baker, the five-year mandatory contract requirement would be eliminated so that participating teachers—regardless of years of prior service—would start on a preliminary one-year contract that may roll over year-to-year. Teachers who obtain a STEM certification or National Board certification would qualify for an advanced contract that can be up to three years.
Baker described TEAMS slots as limited: "for every 105 students in grade 6 through 12, then 2 slots will be made available." She said participation is voluntary and preliminary contracts are intended to encourage teachers to work toward certification; local school systems set the standard for "adequate progress."
Senator Smitherman pressed about clarity on reversion protections and whether the one-year preliminary path could create favoritism; Baker and others said reversion remains unchanged and that the bill is intended to provide a single equitable pathway for all TEAMS applicants. The committee voted 9-0 to report HB 122 favorably.
The bill proceeds to the full chamber for further action.
