Legislation addressing teacher shortage passes in the House

Legislation that addresses Tennessee’s teacher shortage passed the House on Monday. House Bill 533 simplifies the process for teachers who are moving to Tennessee to receive an appropriate teaching license, helping qualified teachers get into classrooms quicker.

The bill allows out-of-state educators who possess the equivalent of a Tennessee professional teacher’s license in their current state to receive a Tennessee professional-level license without being required to take an assessment or receive certain evaluation scores.  The Tennessee State Board of Education will have the authority to promulgate rules regarding the reciprocal licenses.

House Bill 533 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.

Source: Representative Jeremy Faison, Majority Caucus Chairman, District 11