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AB 1224

Teacher credentialing: substitute teachers: days of service.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Garcia and 1 co-sponsor

AB 1224 allows substitute teachers to serve up to 60 days in one assignment, helping schools fill vacancies while ensuring quality education amid teacher shortages.

Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
#teachercredentialing #daysofservice #substituteteachers
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Bill Summary · AB 1224

Summary of AB 1224: Teacher Credentialing: Substitute Teachers: Days of Service

Bill Overview

Bill Number: AB 1224
Introduced: February 21, 2025
Status: Consideration of Governor's veto pending
Classification: Bill
Subject: Teacher credentialing, days of service, substitute teachers

AB 1224 aims to address the ongoing teacher shortages in California's public education system by modifying the regulations surrounding substitute teaching. The bill seeks to provide local educational agencies (LEAs) with greater flexibility in assigning substitute teachers while maintaining certain safeguards to ensure instructional quality.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of AB 1224 is to reestablish and extend the authorization for substitute teachers to serve in specific assignments for up to 60 cumulative days. This provision is designed to help LEAs fill vacancies, particularly in high-need areas, while ensuring that the quality of education is not compromised. The bill emphasizes that this flexibility should be a temporary measure, used only when fully credentialed teachers are not available.

Key Provisions

  • Extended Authorization: The bill allows holders of specific teaching credentials or permits to serve as substitutes for up to 60 cumulative days in any one assignment, effective until January 1, 2029.
  • Collective Bargaining Requirement: This authorization is contingent upon the local educational agency having a collective bargaining agreement with the employee organization that includes a specific process for assigning substitute teachers.
  • Approval Process: Before assigning a substitute for more than 20 cumulative days in special education or 30 cumulative days in any other assignment, the LEA must:
    1. Obtain approval from the governing board if the assignment is foreseeable.
    2. Provide information to the governing board at the next public meeting if the assignment is not foreseeable due to urgent circumstances.
  • Professional Development: If a substitute teacher does not hold a preliminary or professional clear credential, the LEA must provide access to professional development opportunities within 30 days of the assignment.
  • Reporting Requirements: County superintendents must report quarterly on the number of substitute teachers serving beyond the specified limits, and starting from the 2026–27 school year, annual reports must be submitted to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Impact

The bill is expected to impact:
- Local Educational Agencies: By providing more flexibility in staffing, especially in areas with teacher shortages.
- Substitute Teachers: Those who may be assigned to longer-term positions without a full credential, ensuring they receive necessary support and training.
- Students: Particularly those in high-need areas, as the bill aims to maintain educational continuity despite staffing challenges.

Procedural Aspects

AB 1224 has undergone several legislative actions since its introduction, including amendments and approvals from various committees. It was passed by both the Assembly and Senate and is currently awaiting the Governor's decision following a veto on October 6, 2025.

Conclusion

AB 1224 represents a legislative effort to address teacher shortages in California by enhancing the role of substitute teachers while ensuring that educational standards are upheld. The bill's provisions aim to provide necessary flexibility for local educational agencies to manage staffing effectively in challenging circumstances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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