SB209 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donnie ChesteenSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenChris ElliottSam GivhanGarlan GudgerTim Melson

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Education, issuance of professional educator certificate to individuals completing approved alternative teacher preparation programs, further provided for, St. Board of Education to adopt policies, Sec. 16-23-3.01 added; Sec. 16-23-3 am'd.

Summary

SB209 would create a new pathway for professional educator certificates via alternative routes, allowing some candidates to qualify after one year of holding an alternative certificate and enabling certification through approved alternative programs.

What This Bill Does

It reduces the time needed for an alternative-path teacher to qualify for a professional certificate from three years to one year. It also lets the State Superintendent issue a professional certificate to someone who completes an approved alternative teacher preparation program. The bill establishes a database of approved alternative-teacher-education organizations and sets minimum requirements those organizations must meet. It clarifies that the certificate can cover the subject areas and grade levels completed in the alternative program and that holders can renew like traditional teachers; the changes take effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals pursuing or currently in alternative teaching routes, who could obtain a professional educator certificate after one year of holding an alternative certificate or after completing an approved alternative program.
• Approved alternative teacher education preparation organizations and state education agencies (State Board of Education and State Superintendent), which would recruit, screen, train, certify, and maintain oversight of these alternative pathways.

Key Provisions

• Reduces the period required for an alternative-certificate holder to be eligible for a professional educator certificate from three years to one year.
• Authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to issue a professional educator certificate to individuals who complete an approved alternative teacher preparation program.
• Adds Section 16-23-3.01 establishing a database of approved alternative teacher education preparation organizations and setting minimum requirements those organizations must meet (e.g., bachelor's degree, background check, completion of the program).
• Authorizes the.Board to consider additional prerequisites for approving organizations (e.g., operation in multiple states, length of program operation, required examinations).
• Maintains existing limits on where alternative certificates can be issued (grades six through 12; and, with specific subject-area allowances, K–8 for fine arts or foreign languages).
• Allows holders of professional certificates obtained via the alternative path to apply for renewal and to be treated like traditionally certified teachers.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education