Licensing board adopts temporary emergency rule to clarify student‑teaching requirements

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board on Jan. 23 adopted a temporary resolution clarifying student‑teaching requirements during emergencies, allowing teacher‑preparation units to document replacement activities when completing required face‑to‑face weeks in standards 11 and 12 is not feasible.

Chair Lucy Payne read the resolution aloud before the vote, which said that if completing required face‑to‑face student‑teaching weeks is infeasible due to a state emergency, an authorized strike, or other unforeseen circumstances as determined by the unit, the unit may permit documented replacement activities and must document the emergency circumstance and replacement activities in the candidate's file. The resolution will remain in effect through June 3, 2026.

Ms. Amy Aho moved to adopt the resolution and Ms. Jen Trask seconded. The board took a roll‑call vote; all members present voted yes and the motion carried. Chair Payne said the resolution would be signed the same day to go into effect.

Board members framed the action as an emergency, temporary measure to provide immediate flexibility while the board completes formal rulemaking that could take 18–24 months. Dr. Bailey and staff explained that any permanent renewal or licensure changes tied to student‑teaching standards would require legislative and rulemaking steps and that the resolution provides a limited, time‑bound bridge.

Provenance: text and vote recorded in meeting transcript; chair read full resolution and roll‑call votes were recorded on the transcript.