ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

Senate: ED DP 4-3-1-0 | 3rd Read: 17-11-2-0


SB1412: baccalaureate degrees; substitute certificates

Sponsor: Senator Mesnard, LD 17

Committee on Education

Overview

Includes a substitute certificate in the certificates that do not require a baccalaureate degree.

History

Statute requires all certificated teachers to have a baccalaureate degree and a valid fingerprint clearance card (FCC). However, statute exempts the following certificates from the baccalaureate degree requirement: 1) a Native American language certificate; 2) a student teaching intern certificate; 3) a junior reserve officer training corps certificate; 4) an athletic coaching certificate; and 5) an emergency substitute certificate. Additionally, a teacher who provides STEM or career and technical education instruction may also be exempt (A.R.S. § 15-501.01).

The State Board of Education (SBE) maintains rules that detail certificate requirements, including requirements for a substitute certificate and an emergency substitute certificate. On January 24, 2022, SBE modified existing rules for these certificates.

Currently, an applicant for a substitute certificate must have a baccalaureate degree and a valid FCC. The substitute certificate is valid for six years and allows the holder to substitute in the temporary absence of a regular contract teacher.

To obtain an emergency substitute certificate, a person must have: 1) a valid FCC; 2) a high school diploma, general education diploma or an associate degree; and 3) verification from a school district superintendent that an emergency employment situation exists. An emergency substitute certificate is valid for two school years and only authorizes the holder to substitute in the school district that verified there is an emergency employment situation (A.A.C. R7-2-614).

Provisions

1.   ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes)	     ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes)      ☐ Emergency (40 votes)	☐ Fiscal NoteAdds a substitute certificate to the certificates that do not require a person to have a baccalaureate degree. (Sec. 1)

2.   Instructs the Arizona Department of Education to:

a)   Establish a process to award substitute certificates to eligible persons who received an emergency substitute certificate between January 24, 2022 and the general effective date; and

b)   Waive certification fees for applicants who receive a substitute certificate through this process. (Sec. 2)

3.   Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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7.                     SB 1412

8.   Initials CH/MR      Page 0 Education

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