This bill mandates that the State Board of Education issue a teaching license to individuals who do not meet traditional or alternative licensure requirements, provided they have been approved for licensure and hire by a public school district or an open-enrollment public charter school. The new subsection added to Arkansas Code 6-17-410 outlines specific criteria for these individuals, including having a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, an associate degree or trade certification with five years of experience, or ten years of career experience in the subject matter they will teach.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that individuals seeking this license must not have a record of child maltreatment, certain criminal convictions, or failure to pass required criminal background checks. The license granted under this provision will only be valid for the duration of the individual's employment with the recommending school and will expire upon the conclusion of that employment. This legislation aims to provide alternative pathways for individuals to enter the teaching profession while ensuring that certain safety and qualification standards are maintained.

Statutes affected:
HB 1305: 6-17-410