AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS

HB 5603 allows Rhode Island to issue emergency teaching certificates to individuals without passing required exams for up to five total school years. This extends the current system by permitting a one-year initial certificate plus four annual renewals, totaling five years. It directly affects educators seeking temporary teaching roles without full certification, such as in high-need subject areas or schools facing staffing shortages. The bill modifies existing certification rules to provide a clear, capped timeframe for emergency employment while requiring renewal applications to follow specific regulations.