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Senate Fights Teacher Shortage

(JUNEAU) - The Senate unanimously passed a bill today designed to increase the pool of available teachers in Alaska.

"We are responding to Alaska's teacher shortage with three initiatives," said Sen. Loren Leman (R-Anchorage), sponsor of Senate Bill 149. "Quicker recognition of certified teachers from other states, incentives for the reemployment of retired teachers and better medical benefits."

SB 149 would allow teachers who are certified in other states to receive a "preliminary teacher's certificate" recognizing their credentials and allowing them to be employed in state. Teachers hired under the program would be required to meet all Alaska certification requirements within three years.

The bill also encourages retired teachers to return to work by allowing them to receive retirement benefits along with their salary, and improving medical coverage for teachers with 25 years of service or who reach age 60.

"These changes create a win-win situation: retired teachers who want to return to work may do so, and schools not only have more teachers to fill their positions, but exceptionally experienced teachers at that," said Leman.

SB 149 now goes to the House for consideration.

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Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for SB 149
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 98 K

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