Session: State Capitol, Room 518 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2327 Fax: (907) 465-5241 Interim: 119 N. Cushman St., Suite 201 Fairbanks, AK 99701-2879 Phone: (907) 456-8161 Fax: (907) 451-9293

Senate Responds
to Teacher Shortage

(JUNEAU) - School districts have a new option when searching for teachers under a bill unanimously passed by the Senate today.

Senate Bill 86, sponsored by Sen. Pete Kelly (R-Fairbanks), allows individuals with a bachelor's degree and five years work experience to teach in their area of expertise.

"I've heard from numerous school districts around the state that there is a teacher shortage in Alaska," said Kelly. "This bill gives principals and superintendents one more way to get new teachers into classrooms, and lowers some of the barriers to entry for people who have a lot to offer our kids and our communities."

Provisions in the bill require subject matter teachers to adhere to the same security requirements as certified teachers, and only allows subject matter teachers in secondary education. SB 86 also requires that people hired under the exception allowed in this bill take courses toward completing their regular teaching certification while continuing to teach.

"I've talked to a number of people who are involved in other professions who have a great desire to teach," said Kelly. "SB 86 expands the opportunity for schools to bring in new teachers with valuable education and life experiences that may not have been available in the old system."

SB 86 now goes to the House for consideration.

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