This bill amends the definition of a "novice teacher" within the Teacher Excellence and Support System in Arkansas. The current definition states that a novice teacher is one who has less than three years of public school classroom teaching experience. The amendment introduces a new provision that specifies that the term "novice teacher" will not include those who have previously completed a supervised clinical practice as part of a teacher education program.

The changes aim to clarify the classification of novice teachers by excluding individuals who have undergone supervised clinical practice from being labeled as novice, regardless of their years of experience. This adjustment is intended to better reflect the qualifications and readiness of teachers entering the profession.

Statutes affected:
HB 1708: 6-17-2803(12)