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CS/HB 561 — Educator Preparation and Certification
by Education & Employment Committee and Rep. Gerwig and others (SB 1718 by Senator Calatayud)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)
The bill authorizes educator preparation institutes (EPIs) to enroll participants and allow them to complete coursework while they work to obtain an “eligible” statement of status of eligibility in the certification subject area included in the participant’s educational plan.
The bill requires the Department of Education (DOE) to issue a temporary certificate to an educator whose previously issued professional certificate has expired, provided the educator meets the basic eligibility requirements for certification. This allows the educator to begin teaching without having to again demonstrate subject area mastery.
The bill requires an applicant seeking reinstatement of a professional educator certificate to meet specified statutory certification eligibility requirements, but removes the requirement that an educator retake subject area examinations for each subject included on the certificate. Upon reinstatement, the professional certificate must include all subject area coverages and endorsements held at the time of expiration. The bill also specifies that inservice points earned to obtain or renew a professional certificate that has since expired may not be used to satisfy reinstatement requirements.
The bill updates the name of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the University of South Florida to the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching as the required collaborating entity for the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence (center).
The bill requires, rather than authorizes, the center to submit a professional learning system to the DOE. The bill also requires the center to offer professional learning, at no cost, to certified educators seeking to renew or reinstate their certificate and to submit any inservice points earned through the system to the DOE on the educator’s behalf. Additionally, the center must provide such educators with information on school district professional learning systems that offer access to inservice training to individuals who are not employed by the school district.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 112-0