Governor Kay Ivey is backing legislation that would allow military veterans to teach in Alabama classrooms without first earning a bachelor’s degree, under a bill filed this week in the Alabama Legislature.
Senate Bill 149, sponsored by State Senator Matt Woods (R-Jasper) and State Rep. Rick Rehm (R-Dothan), would authorize the Alabama State Department of Education to issue temporary teaching certificates to eligible veterans who meet specific service, education and testing requirements.
“Veterans offer a unique perspective, which is needed across many careers, including in our classrooms. When we pass Senate Bill 149, we will create a pathway for more veterans to help educate the next generation,” Ivey said. “Not only will we be providing a quality education for children across our state and getting more teachers in the classroom, we will allow more veterans to be gainfully employed when returning from service. This legislation will go a long way for students and veterans alike.”
Ivey highlighted SB149 during her recent State of the State address as part of her legislative priorities.
“I want to thank Governor Ivey for her strong support of this veteran-friendly legislation,” Woods said. “This bill not only strengthens our teacher recruitment efforts, but also creates a clear, meaningful pathway for Alabama’s veterans to continue serving by bringing their leadership, discipline and real-world experience into our classrooms. Our students, our veterans and communities across the state of Alabama will all benefit from this important partnership.”
Under the proposal, the Alabama State Department of Education would issue a nonrenewable Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate valid for up to five years. Applicants would be required to:
• Document 48 months of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge or medical separation
• Pass a background check
• Receive a recommendation from a local superintendent of education or private K-12 school administrator
• Complete at least 60 college credit hours with a minimum 2.5 grade point average
• Earn a passing score on the Praxis test of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program
“As a U.S. Army veteran, I have seen firsthand the skills our servicemen and women bring to the workforce, especially in the teaching profession. I think it is important for our students to be exposed to the experiences that military veterans can bring to the classroom,” Rehm said. “I appreciate Governor Ivey’s leadership and support for policies like the Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate, which will strengthen teacher recruitment and reinforce Alabama’s reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation.”
Senate Bill 149, if passed, will provide one more avenue of bringing teachers into Alabama classrooms.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
