Dossett advances bill to benefit career teachers

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1317, modifying the definition of a career teacher, was unanimously approved Tuesday in the Senate Education Committee. The bill, by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, updates language to recognize the mobility of teachers who may need to change school districts over the course of their career.

“Currently, when a teacher achieves career status by receiving effective or superior ratings from her school administrator for three or four consecutive years, that status goes away if they need to change school districts, putting them back at year zero,” said Dossett, D-Tulsa. “SB 1317 modifies the definition of career teacher, allowing the local school board of the teacher’s new school district to accept their career status, thus alleviating the burden she and her new administrator currently face when they must start the whole process from scratch.”

The bill is of clear benefit to teachers but ensures the receiving school district has the final say about whether to accept career status achieved in a prior school district.

“Some districts may decide never to accept previously earned career status, some may decide that this is their new practice, and others may accept or reject on a case-by-case basis. The decision is left to the district,” Dossett said. “If an incoming teacher’s career status is accepted, that teacher will be able to focus on the kids in front of her, and her principal will be able to focus on other teachers who really do need the help. Everyone will benefit from time and energy properly spent.”

The committee agreed and advanced the bill to the Senate floor, where it must be heard by March 26.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Jo Anna Dossett at (405) 521-5624 or JoAnna.Dossett@oksenate.gov