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HB 1253

Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - As enacted, increases from 20 to 30, the maximum number of consecutive days a substitute teacher may substitute for a regular teacher on leave without having to possess a teaching license; requires the six weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees to be taken either consecutively or non-consecutively based on certain criteria. - Amends TCA Section 8-50-814; Title 49, Chapter 6 and Title 49, Chapter 3, Part 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Jo Alexander

Tennessee extends unlicensed substitute teacher limits to 30 consecutive days and makes parental leave flexible, balancing workforce needs against instructor qualifications and administrative complexity.

Pub. Ch. 296
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Bill Summary · HB 1253

Legislative bill overview

HB 1253 increases the maximum duration substitute teachers can work without a teaching license from 20 to 30 consecutive days and modifies parental leave policies for school personnel to allow either consecutive or non-consecutive usage based on specific criteria. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee's education code and became effective July 1, 2025.

Why this is important

The substitute teacher provision addresses staffing flexibility during teacher absences, potentially reducing disruption to classrooms but raising questions about educational quality standards. The parental leave modification affects work-life balance for school employees and may influence recruitment and retention in a competitive education labor market.

Potential points of contention

  • Educator qualification concerns: Extending unlicensed substitute teaching from 20 to 30 days may compromise instructional consistency and student learning, particularly in specialized subjects requiring credentialed expertise
  • Parental leave implementation complexity: The discretionary consecutive/non-consecutive structure introduces administrative complexity and could create inequitable application across school districts depending on "certain criteria" not detailed in the bill summary
  • Budget and staffing implications: Longer substitute coverage periods could mask chronic teacher shortages rather than addressing underlying staffing problems, while flexible parental leave may create scheduling challenges for school operations

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

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