Under current law, a person seeking a teaching endorsement in
special education or early childhood special education (endorsement) must complete an approved program and a student teaching practicum through an institution of higher education and pass one or more appropriate content-based exams. The bill requires the department of education (department) to establish an additional pathway for an educator to obtain an endorsement. To receive the endorsement, the educator must hold a valid teaching license other than an initial license; take and pass the appropriate content-based exams, as determined by the department; and complete a specialized induction program that meets the standards and criteria established by rule of the state board of education. Upon the educator's completion of all the components of the additional pathway, the department shall grant the educator a professional endorsement for instruction in special education or early childhood special education.
