Committee backs limited waiver allowing experienced private‑school teachers to fill vacancies

The Senate Education Committee approved a rewritten version of SB2109 that creates a limited, conditional waiver process allowing school districts or charter schools to hire experienced private‑school teachers when a licensed educator cannot be located.

Under the committee amendment, an applicant must have taught 10 consecutive years at a Tennessee category 1–3 private school, provide written verification from the private school attesting to performance and professional development, consent to fingerprinting and a background check, and agree to complete training provided by the LEA on classroom management, special‑needs students and the teacher code of ethics. If granted, the permit would allow employment by the LEA or charter school for three years (with the option to renew) and the teacher must be paired with a licensed mentor; the amendment bars assignment to special education classes and to leadership positions such as principal.

Sponsor Chairman White said the rewrite is narrowly tailored and intended for exceptional cases when LEAs cannot recruit a licensed candidate; members expressed both support and caution. Sen. Hale and others noted the applicant experience could exceed that of beginning licensed teachers and urged robust mentoring and evaluation; Sen. Akbari said the safeguards made him more comfortable with the approach.

Committee action

With the amendment in place, SB2109 passed out of committee to the Finance Committee for further consideration. The transcript records the committee’s voice vote in favor of the amended bill.