House Bill No. 2125, introduced by Staires, amends existing education laws in Oklahoma to clarify the roles and qualifications of adjunct teachers and to enhance early childhood education programs. The bill allows the State Board of Education to grant alternative placement teaching certificates to individuals who meet specific educational and competency criteria, including holding a baccalaureate degree or a terminal degree, and having relevant work experience. Notably, the bill authorizes adjunct teachers to teach at all grade levels, including early childhood education programs, without the requirement of standard certification. This change aims to attract individuals with distinguished qualifications into the teaching profession.

Additionally, the bill amends the requirements for early childhood education programs, allowing adjunct teachers to fulfill teaching roles alongside certified teachers. It emphasizes the need for developmentally appropriate objectives in early childhood education and mandates that teachers in these programs be certified or authorized adjunct teachers. The bill also includes provisions for the implementation of induction programs for teachers and establishes standards for early childhood education that align with new subject matter standards. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and declares an emergency for its immediate implementation upon passage.