The bill amends Section 33-1204 of the Idaho Code to revise the provisions regarding the validity, duration, renewal, lapse, and issuance of teaching and administrator certificates. Notably, it introduces the concept of lifetime instructional and lifetime administrator certificates, which can be issued to teachers or administrators who have accumulated at least twenty-five years of combined experience in Idaho school districts or equivalent public school systems. The bill stipulates that these lifetime certificates will be issued at no cost, will not require ongoing reporting or professional development, and will remain valid for the lifetime of the holder, provided they do not engage in professional misconduct. Additionally, the bill mandates that the state board of education establish rules for the renewal of administrator certificates, which must include a course on the statewide framework for teacher evaluations, including a laboratory component. It also allows the state board to require professional development credits for certificate renewal while recognizing instruction in professional development courses as a valid option for fulfilling these requirements. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1204
Engrossment 1: 33-1204