Senate Bill 149 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt WoodsSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Teacher certification; Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate established

Summary

SB149 creates a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate to allow qualified veterans to teach in K-12 fields that normally require a bachelor's degree, under a five-year, nonrenewable license.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the State Board of Education to grant a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate to veterans who meet specified requirements to teach in fields that usually require a bachelor's degree. Applicants must document 48 months of active-duty service with an honorable discharge or medical separation, pass a criminal-history background check, be recommended by a local administrator, and meet admission criteria of 60 college credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a passing Praxis content test (AECAP), plus any other criteria set by the Board. After issuance, the certificate requires a mentor for at least two school years or participation in the Alabama Teacher Mentor Program; it is valid for five school years, issued once, and nonrenewable. Time served under the temporary certificate does not count toward continued service status, and recipients are informed of the expiration date and how to qualify for a professional certificate; the Board will adopt implementing rules, and the act takes effect October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Military veterans seeking K-12 teaching roles who meet service, education, and background requirements would be eligible for a five-year temporary certificate.
• Local school districts, administrators, and the Alabama Department of Education would handle recommendations, mentor assignments, credential administration, and rulemaking to implement the program.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate for teaching fields that normally require a bachelor’s degree.
• Eligibility includes 48 months of active-duty military service with honorable discharge or medical separation, successful background check, local superintendent recommendation, 60 college credits with a 2.5 GPA, and a passing Praxis content test (AECAP) or other criteria set by the Board.
• A mentor must be assigned for at least two school years or the educator must participate in the Alabama Teacher Mentor Program; certificate validity is five years, one-time issuance, nonrenewable.
• Time served under the temporary certificate does not count toward continued service status; not eligible for an emergency certificate under 16-23-3(f).
• The Department must inform recipients of expiration dates and how to qualify for a professional certificate; the Board will adopt rules to implement the program; effective date is October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education