Full Senate approves Sen. Mann’s ‘Emergency to Permanency’ bill to address teacher shortage

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given bipartisan approval to Senate Bill 186, by Sen. Mark Mann. The measure will help address the ongoing classroom teacher shortage by helping those with emergency certification earn full teaching certificates.

SB 186 would create the “Teacher Certification Emergency to Permanency Revolving Fund.” The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability would administer a grant program to provide emergency certified educators with resources to help earn alternative teaching certificates, and ultimately, earn a regular teaching certificate.

“We have more than 4,000 people in our state who’ve changed careers to help meet the ongoing, critical need for teachers, and we want them to succeed so our children will succeed as well,” said Mann, D-Oklahoma City. “SB 186 will provide grants for additional training and certification. Every child deserves a great education, and that’s what this bill is about.”

SB 186 will now move to the House of Representatives. Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, is the principal House author of the measure.