Bill No. 2893 amends Section 6-127A of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes to recognize the vital role of public school paraprofessionals in education, particularly in light of teacher shortages. The bill establishes a career development program for paraprofessionals, allowing those who hold a bachelor's degree in education or education studies and have not been out of the classroom for more than ten years to be exempt from additional professional education coursework requirements. It also grants school districts the authority to extend contracts for paraprofessionals who are simultaneously serving as student teachers.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that exempts teachers with a bachelor's degree in education or education studies from completing extra professional education coursework if they have not been out of the classroom for more than ten years. This provision applies to requirements for obtaining, renewing, or satisfying professional development for various teaching certificates. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.