HF1381

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 122A.09, subdivision 10, regarding educator licensure permissions. Key provisions include:

1. Waivers for Experimental Programs: The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) may grant waivers to school districts and charter schools for implementing experimental learning or management programs.

2. Alternative Education Permissions: Licensed teachers in alternative education programs may be allowed to teach content areas for which they are not certified.

3. Special Education License Validity: Special education licensure permissions issued for a primary employer's low-incidence region will be valid in all low-incidence regions.

4. Career and Technical Education Pathways: Applicants with career and technical education (CTE) certification may apply for a Tier 1 teaching license. Teacher preparation programs are encouraged to create alternative pathways for licensing high school CTE teachers based on industry experience and certification.

5. Exemption for Special Education Assignments: Out-of-field teaching permissions for special education assignments valid between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2030, will not count toward the limit on the number of out-of-field permission renewals an applicant can receive.

The bill primarily aims to provide flexibility in educator licensing to address teacher shortages, particularly in special education and career and technical education.