The bill amends the 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. The bill also 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.

Additionally, the bill allows the Rhode Island Department of Education to issue certificates without examination to qualified individuals. It provides 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.

The bill mandates the department to review and revise its rules governing teacher and administrator licensure to create multiple pathways for certification. This includes recognizing non-traditional education and work experience as valid credentials, thereby enhancing flexibility in the certification process and facilitating the recruitment of qualified educators.