HB308 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Alternative teacher certification, alternative teacher education preparation organization, accreditation further provided for

Summary

The bill expands and clarifies how alternative teacher programs can be approved to issue professional teaching certificates in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It allows alternative teacher preparation organizations to be approved if they are accredited by a Council on Higher Education member that specializes in educator preparation (in addition to CAEP). It also maintains minimum candidate requirements (bachelor's degree, background check, and completion of the approved program) and creates a state database to screen and refer candidates. The bill sets criteria for approving organizations (multi-state operation, 10 years of program operation, aligned exams, and 10,000 teachers certified) and provides a CAEP/AQP pathway if those prerequisites aren’t met, with specific deadlines for AQP. Certificates earned through this path would allow teaching in the subject areas and levels completed, with renewal treated like traditional certificates, and participating mentors for new certificate holders; annual reporting by organizations is required; and the measure takes effect October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Prospective teachers pursuing an alternative certification route: can obtain a professional educator certificate through an approved alternative program, provided they meet degree, background check, and program completion requirements (and may be subject to Alabama Teacher Mentorship Program if employed by a participating district).
• Approved alternative teacher education organizations and the State Board of Education: must meet new accreditation prerequisites or qualify via CAEP/AQP pathways, be listed in a state database, provide annual program completion data, and comply with certification and reporting requirements.

Key Provisions

• Adds a new accreditation option: an alternative teacher preparation organization can be approved if accredited by a CHE member organization specializing in educator preparation (in addition to CAEP).
• Minimum candidate requirements for initial licensure through an approved alternative program: bachelor's degree, successful criminal history check, and completion of the organization's alternative program.
• State Board will maintain a database of approved organizations to screen, recruit, and refer qualified individuals for K-12 teaching.
• Prerequisites for approving organizations: operation in at least five states (not on probation), at least 10 years of program operation, an exam aligned with Alabama standards for subject/ pedagogy, and evidence of certifying at least 10,000 teachers (with exemptions for state-approved two-year or four-year institutions).
• Alternative approval pathway if prerequisites aren’t met: CAEP-certified or AQP-certified organizations may still be approved; AQP must have begun CAEP application by 4/1/2024, and after 10/1/2026 AQP certification will no longer qualify.
• Certificates issued under this section permit teaching in the subject areas and levels completed through the program.
• Renewal: holders can apply for a professional renewal license and are treated the same as traditional certificates.
• Annual reporting: approved organizations must report the number of program completers each year to the State Board.
• Mentorship requirement: teachers with an alternative certificate must participate in the Alabama Teacher Mentorship Program if employed by a participating local board.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on October 1, 2024.
• Nonsubstantive, technical updates: language changes to align with current style.

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