House Bill 1888 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to introduce a new section allowing the state board of education to waive the educator licensure requirement for individuals lacking a bachelor's degree, provided they have at least five years of full-time teaching experience in a church-related or private school. Applicants must submit verification of their teaching performance, documentation of instructional duties similar to licensed educators, and evidence of professional development training. Additionally, they must agree to a criminal history check and release their investigative records to the employing local education agency (LEA) or public charter school. The waiver is valid for up to three years and does not confer a practitioner teacher license.

The bill also modifies existing sections of the Tennessee Code to stipulate that individuals must present a valid educator license or credential to be employed as teachers or principals, unless they have received a waiver under the new provision. This includes amendments to sections regarding employment in public schools and the conditions under which waivers may be granted. The state board is tasked with establishing the review process for waiver applications, criteria for evaluating applicants, and conditions for renewal or revocation of waivers. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation purposes, with full implementation set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-5-101, 49-5-403, 49-6-201(b)(4), 49-6-201, 49-6-404