Bill allowing three-year alternative teaching certificate heads to Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) -- State Rep. Rhonda Baker (R-Yukon) passed a bill in the House Tuesday that would allow an alternative pathway for early childhood and elementary education teacher certification candidates.

House Bill 3434 allows candidates to enter the classroom on a one-year provisional certificate that can be renewable up to three years while they complete the required coursework and participate in a mentorship program before taking certification exams.

"This will significantly lower the need for emergency teachers in elementary and early childhood education in our public schools," Baker said. "It will allow those who hold a bachelor's degree or higher who are seeking to work in our classrooms to gain the support they need to be successful in passing their certification tests."

Baker said that currently, those who want this certification have to first pass all three certification tests before they are given any coursework.

HB 3434 would allow these candidates to complete the coursework first, to take part in mentorships, and be provided with professional development and reading and math curriculums before they take their certification tests.

Baker believes this would lead to greater passage rates.

These teaching candidates would also have yearly requirements for coursework that would ensure they are gaining the professional knowledge in reading and math instruction, classroom management and child development, and the knowledge and skills essential for impacting student growth and learning.

HB 3434 now heads to the state Senate for full consideration.