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Committee advances amended measure to waive certain teacher licensure requirements for private‑school hires
Summary
An amended HB 1888 would allow the State Board of Education to waive the bachelor's-degree-from-an-accredited-institution requirement for certain individuals coming from Category 2 or 3 accredited private schools; supporters said it provides hiring flexibility, critics argued it lowers professional standards. The committee advanced the bill 5–4.
Representative Stevens presented an amended HB 1888 that would permit the State Board of Education to waive the requirement that a teacher hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year institution in specific cases where the applicant comes from a Category 2 or 3 accredited private school and the local director of schools requests the waiver.
Supporters said the change provides a pathway for experienced instructors who trained in unaccredited programs decades ago to enter public classrooms; the sponsor cited constituents in Rutherford County who taught for decades but lacked an accredited degree. Opponents, led by Representative McKenzie, warned the change risks lowering standards and "devaluing" the teaching profession, arguing degrees and licensure protect students and ensure consistent qualifications.
The bill does not force districts to hire waived applicants; it leaves hiring to the local district and Board of Education process. The committee voted 5–4 to send the measure to Finance/Ways and Means.
