SB349 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Teacher certification; American History and Civics Initiative, created within the Department of Education; online course of study and endorsement for high school teachers, provided for; one-time stipend, provided for; State Board of Education, required to adopt rules

Summary

SB349 would create the American History and Civics Excellence Initiative in the Alabama Department of Education to offer a 50-hour online course for high school teachers to earn a Seal of Excellence Endorsement and possibly receive a $3,000 stipend, with rules and oversight by the State Board of Education.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a new initiative within the Department of Education and requires a 50-hour online course for high school teachers to earn the American History and Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement. Teachers who complete the course can apply to add the endorsement to their Alabama Teacher Certification, and may be eligible for a one-time $3,000 stipend if funds are appropriated. The State Superintendent appoints a program director (with Senate confirmation), and the State Board of Education oversees the initiative and adopts the necessary rules; funding and administration follow the Budget Management Act and legislature-approved appropriations.

Who It Affects

• High school teachers with a valid Alabama Teacher Certificate: may enroll in the online course, earn the endorsement, and apply for the potential stipend.
• State education authorities and lawmakers: oversee and implement the initiative (State Superintendent, Senate confirmation, State Board of Education) and determine funding through appropriations.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the American History and Civics Excellence Initiative within the Department of Education.
• Provides for a minimum 50-hour online course of study for high school teachers to qualify for the endorsement.
• Course content includes the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic, evaluation of different governing philosophies, the value of civic participation, and citizens' rights and responsibilities including advocacy with government officials.
• The State Superintendent of Education shall appoint, and the Senate shall confirm, a program director to lead the initiative.
• The State Board of Education shall develop and approve the endorsement and oversee the initiative, including adopting rules.
• Teachers who complete the course are eligible to add the American History and Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement to their Alabama Teacher Certification.
• Teachers who receive the endorsement may apply for a one-time $3,000 stipend, subject to appropriation; the program director reviews eligibility and facilitates payment.
• Funding is subject to appropriation and budgeted under the Budget Management Act, in amounts provided by the Legislature.

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