Sen. Mark Mann advances ‘Emergency to Permanency’ bill to address teacher shortage

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Education committee has approved Sen. Mark Mann’s legislation to help address the ongoing classroom teacher shortage by helping those with emergency certification earn full teaching certificates.

Senate Bill 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.

“The reality is that we have more than 4,000 people in our state who’ve changed careers to help meet the ongoing, critical need for teachers. SB 186 will provide grants for additional training and certification,” said Mann, D-Oklahoma City. “This will help address the shortage while giving emergency certified educators the tools they need to succeed and drive academic growth in our schools.”

SB 186 will next be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee.