Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - As introduced, allows the state board of education to waive the educator licensure requirement for an individual who does not hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution, but who has at least five years of teaching experience at a church-related school or private school approved to operate in this state, if the individual meets certain requirements. - Amends TCA Title 49.

This bill would allow Tennessee's state board of education to waive the bachelor's degree requirement for educators who have at least five years of teaching experience at a church-related or approved private school. The waiver would permit these individuals to teach in public schools for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify, applicants would need to provide verification of their teaching experience, demonstrate comparable instructional skills, complete professional development, and undergo background checks. The bill also requires annual performance evaluations by the school district for individuals holding this waiver. This change would directly affect educators with private or church school experience who lack traditional college degrees but have substantial teaching experience.