Bill to keep substitute teachers in classroom longer signed into law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Stitt recently signed legislation to help better address the state’s teacher shortage by extending the number of days substitute teachers can work each year.  Sen. Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, is the Senate principal author of House Bill 1050. 

“Substitute teachers have played a crucial role in our classrooms when Oklahoma is facing one of the worst teacher shortages in our state’s history,” said Smalley.  “It’s important that schools have dependable substitutes to fill in when teachers are out or not available to ensure continuity in the classroom.  This measure will help schools by allowing substitutes to serve an additional 45 days per school year.”

Beginning November 1, 2019, HB 1050 will increase the length of time a substitute teacher can be employed during a school year from 90 to 135 days or from 100 to 145 days for those substitutes who have a lapsed or expired certificate, or at least a bachelor’s degree.

The bill is also authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh.