Amends TCA Title 49.

ON APRIL 12, 2021, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 525, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 rewrites the bill and revises the present law provision governing temporary teaching permits. Under present law, whenever a director of schools and the chair of the respective board of education certify to the commissioner of education that the school system is unable to secure a qualified teacher with a valid license for the type and kind of school in which a vacancy exists, the commissioner may grant, on behalf of the state board of education, under conditions prescribed in its rules and regulations, a permit to teach in the unfilled position to a person recommended by the director of the respective local school district and approved by the commissioner, which permit is valid only until June 30 following the date of issuance. This amendment additionally:<br /> <br /> (1) Authorizes, upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, the commissioner of education to issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher in accordance with state board rules or a temporary permit to a person to teach any course or subject area, except for special education courses, for the 2021-2022 school year;<br /> <br /> (2) Requires a director of schools or the director of a public charter school who applies for an endorsement exemption or temporary permit for a person to teach in the 2021-2022 school year to certify to the commissioner that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher for the course or subject area; and <br /> <br /> (3) Provides that an endorsement exemption or temporary permit issued pursuant to this amendment will be valid for only the 2021-2022 school year.<br />