Florida joins compact for out-of-state teachers to more easily work in state
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that would more easily allow out-of-state teachers to work in Florida through a new compact.
Florida joined the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which is an interstate occupational licensure agreement.
The law will allow Florida to accept teachers from other states that have joined the compact. Out-of-state teachers with an eligible license can be granted an equivalent license in Florida without having to do any additional coursework or testing.
The teacher transferring states would simply have to present their originating state’s certification and pass any background screening requirement implemented by the receiving state.
The compacts are usually constitutionally authorized, legislatively enacted, legally binding agreements among states.
The bill, filed by Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, and Rep. David Smith, R-Winter Springs, makes Florida one of seven states to enact the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact and there are 11 states with pending legislation, according to the website.
The model becomes effective after ten states join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.
The Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact utilizes a different model than other interstate occupational licensure compacts. Compact member states submit licenses that are eligible for the compact and meet a set of criteria outlined in the legislation, according to the bill analysis.
To be eligible, a license must require a bachelor’s degree and completion of a state approved program for teacher licensure like a teacher preparation program at a college or university.
According to the website, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky and now Florida have enacted the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.
Legislation is pending in Washington, Oregon, California, Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.
The legislation passed unanimously in the House and the Senate.
