HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 SSB 6626

Title: An act relating to the conditional employment of teachers with lapsed certificates.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the conditional employment of teachers with lapsed certificates.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Benton, Swecker, Johnson, Stevens, Zarelli, Honeyford, Morton, Finkbeiner, Hochstatter and Hale.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 23, 2000

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  The State Board of Education establishes rules that govern teacher certification in Washington State.  Teachers must be certified in order to teach in the public or approved private schools in the state.  Currently, teachers who received their continuing or professional teaching certificates after August 30, 1987, are required to obtain 150 clock hours of classes every five years in order to maintain that certificate.  If a teacher does not fulfill the requirement, the teacher's certificate lapses.  Teachers with lapsed certificates may be eligible to teach as substitutes.  Currently, teachers with lapsed certificates may not be employed as regular teachers without obtaining additional credit hours.

Summary:  Individuals with lapsed Washington teaching certificates may be employed by school districts.  Individuals may be hired on a conditional basis and must complete certificate renewal requirements within two years of reemployment.  Teachers with lapsed certificates that were revoked or suspended are not eligible.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:   Not requested.

Effective Date:   Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.