OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 382 (File 203, as amended by Senate “A”)*

AN ACT CONCERNING TEACHER CERTIFICATION.

SUMMARY:

This bill, with one exception, prohibits teachers who receive an elementary education endorsement on or after July 1, 2013 from using that endorsement to teach kindergarten. It thus requires them to obtain an early childhood nursery through grade three endorsement in order to teach kindergarten. Under the bill, elementary education endorsements issued on or after July 1, 2013 are, with one exception, valid only for grades one through six.

The bill allows individuals to teach kindergarten with an elementary education endorsement issued after July 1, 2013 if they (1) have been admitted to a teacher preparation program in the elementary education endorsement area on or before the start of the 2012 fall semester, (2) successfully complete the program, and (3) receive the endorsement by July 1, 2017.

*Senate Amendment “A” adds the exception for individuals admitted to teacher preparation programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2012

COMMITTEE ACTION

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute

Education Committee

Joint Favorable