Signed by Governor Doug Ducey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill that establishes new requirements for teacher certification.

Highlights:

• Authorizes teachers to become certified without a master’s degree (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the acceptance of more programs for teacher certification if such programs are evaluated and approved by the state (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that individuals who have passed the corresponding knowledge, subject, and proficiency tests in another state do not have to take the Arizona professional knowledge, subject, or proficiency tests in order to apply for a teacher’s certificate (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes nonprofit organizations and private entities to apply for program approval to create programs that are substantially less restrictive than traditional teacher preparation programs (Sec. 1).

• Requires an individual to hold a bachelor’s degree, fingerprint clearance card, and demonstrate proficient professional and subject knowledge at the end of an alternative education program (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a GED to be substituted for a high school diploma in the certification of substitute teachers (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that individuals do not need to take additional graduate level courses for certification or recertification (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that teacher license certificates issued and renewed will be valid for twelve years (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text