MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Governor Kay Ivey is continuing her push to help military veterans move into Alabama classrooms.
On Tuesday, Matt Woods and Rick Rehm officially filed Senate Bill 149. The bill would allow the Alabama State Department of Education to issue temporary teaching certificates to eligible veterans who do not yet have a bachelor’s degree according to a statement from Iveys office.
“Veterans offer a unique perspective, which is needed across many careers, including in our classrooms. When we pass Senate Bill 149, we will create a pathway for more veterans to help educate the next generation,” Ivey said. “Not only will we be providing a quality education for children across our state and getting more teachers in the classroom, we will allow more veterans to be gainfully employed when returning from service. This legislation will go a long way for students and veterans alike.”
Ivey also highlighted SB149 during her recent state of the state address, calling it one of her top legislative priorities.
Woods said the bill helps both schools and veterans.
“I want to thank Governor Ivey for her strong support of this veteran-friendly legislation,” Woods said. “This bill not only strengthens our teacher recruitment efforts, but also creates a clear, meaningful pathway for Alabama’s veterans to continue serving by bringing their leadership, discipline and real-world experience into our classrooms. Our students, our veterans and communities across the state of Alabama will all benefit from this important partnership.”
If the bill becomes law, ALSDE would issue a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate. To qualify, applicants must meet several requirements. Veterans must show 48 months of active-duty service and have an honorable discharge or medical separation. They must pass a background check and be recommended by a local school superintendent or a private K-12 school administrator.
Applicants must also have completed at least 60 college credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA and earn a passing score on the Praxis test through the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program.
Rehm said veterans bring valuable life experience into schools.
“As a U.S. Army veteran, I have seen firsthand the skills our servicemen and women bring to the workforce, especially in the teaching profession. I think it is important for our students to be exposed to the experiences that military veterans can bring to the classroom,” Rehm said. “I appreciate Governor Ivey’s leadership and support for policies like the Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate, which will strengthen teacher recruitment and reinforce Alabama’s reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation.”
The certificate would be valid for five years and would not be renewable. Ivey has said her goal is to make Alabama the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.
