The bill amends existing laws regarding the certification of teachers in Rhode Island, specifically addressing the issuance of certificates and the requirements for certification. It establishes that individuals cannot be denied certification solely based on their scores from standardized teacher examinations, provided they successfully complete an assessment set by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).

Effective July 1, 2025, all currently certified teachers will have their certifications automatically extended for three or five years without any fees or penalties. Additionally, the bill waives application fees for initial teacher certification and Praxis examination fees for a three-year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, to promote teacher recruitment.

The bill allows the Rhode Island Department of Education to issue certificates without examination to qualified individuals. It also stipulates that teachers holding valid Rhode Island certifications with at least three years of certified teaching experience can acquire additional certifications through examination or content coursework.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Rhode Island Department of Education to review and revise its rules and regulations governing the licensure of teachers and administrators to create multiple pathways for certification. This includes recognizing non-traditional education and work experience, as well as allowing candidates to obtain course credit by demonstrating competency through tests or other means.