State Board presents emergency educator-licensure rule adding limited occupational license

Nathan James, a staff member of the State Board of Education, told the committee the package implements changes from Public Chapter 328 and is intended to align the board’s rules with statute.

"This is emergency licensure rule," James said, explaining the changes take effect immediately to implement the law for the current school year. He said the revisions "add[ ] the limited occupational teaching license" and define its "validity period is 3 years." The license is aimed at allowing industry-experienced workers to serve as instructors for career and technical education (CTE) courses while meeting specified mentor and training requirements.

During questioning, Representative Hardaway asked about background checks and pay. Anna Hall of the Department of Education clarified the license targets "skilled trades people mostly, into the classroom to teach primarily CTE courses," and said background checks are the same as other educator categories and pay follows the local education agency pay scale. Committee members also pressed on the scope of courses eligible for instruction and how emergency credentials interact with end-of-course exams.

After discussion the committee moved and the House panel gave a positive recommendation; the Senate did not register a separate recommendation at that time. The State Board staff said a permanent version of the rule will be voted on at the board’s November meeting and staff will return for follow-up questions as needed.