Governor Ivey Backs Legislation to Expand Teaching Opportunities for Military Veterans

(By Lee Evancho/Calhoun Journal)

Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday continued her push to expand pathways for military veterans to enter Alabama classrooms, as Senate Bill 149 was officially filed by Matt Woods and Rick Rehm.

The legislation would allow the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to issue a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate to eligible veterans who do not currently meet the traditional requirement of holding a bachelor’s degree.

“Veterans offer a unique perspective, which is needed across many careers, including in our classrooms,” Governor Ivey said. “When we pass Senate Bill 149, we will create a pathway for more veterans to help educate the next generation. Not only will we be providing a quality education for children across our state and getting more teachers in the classroom, we will allow more veterans to be gainfully employed when returning from service.”

Governor Ivey previously identified SB149 as a legislative priority during her State of the State address, citing both workforce needs and support for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.

Sen. Woods said the proposal aligns with broader efforts to address teacher recruitment challenges while recognizing the value of military experience. “This bill not only strengthens our teacher recruitment efforts, but also creates a clear, meaningful pathway for Alabama’s veterans to continue serving by bringing their leadership, discipline and real-world experience into our classrooms,” he said.

Under the bill, ALSDE would be authorized to issue the temporary teaching certificate to applicants who meet specific criteria, including:

• Completion of 48 months of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge or medical separation;

• Successful completion of a background check;

• Recommendation for certification by a local superintendent or private K–12 school administrator;

• Completion of at least 60 college credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and

• A passing score on the Praxis exam within the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program.

Rep. Rehm, a U.S. Army veteran, said the legislation reflects the skills veterans bring to education and other professions. “I think it is important for our students to be exposed to the experiences that military veterans can bring to the classroom,” Rehm said. He added that the proposed certificate would strengthen teacher recruitment while reinforcing Alabama’s reputation as a veteran-friendly state.

The Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate would be nonrenewable and valid for up to five years. Governor Ivey has stated her broader goal of making Alabama the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.