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SB 1410

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 Joey Hensley

Extends unlicensed substitute teacher eligibility from 20 to 30 consecutive days and allows parental leave flexibility between consecutive or split schedules.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 296
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Bill Summary · SB 1410

Legislative bill overview

SB 1410 allows substitute teachers in Tennessee to work up to 30 consecutive days (increased from 20) without a teaching license, and clarifies that six weeks of paid parental leave can be taken either consecutively or in split periods based on employer and employee needs. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee's education code governing teacher qualifications and leave policies.

Why is this important

This directly affects classroom staffing flexibility and teacher retention/recruitment. Schools gain more scheduling flexibility during extended teacher absences, while the parental leave clarification provides clarity for both employers and employees on how to structure leave-taking, which can impact workforce decisions and family planning.

Potential points of contention

  • Teacher qualification concerns: Allowing 30 consecutive days without licensure may compromise instructional quality or create liability issues if unlicensed substitutes teach advanced subjects or specialized courses
  • Substitute teacher exploitation: Extending the unlicensed period could enable schools to avoid hiring licensed teachers or paying substitute benefits by continuously rotating different unlicensed substitutes
  • Parental leave flexibility trade-offs: While flexibility appears beneficial, non-consecutive leave provisions could burden schools with repeated staffing gaps and may disadvantage employees who need extended continuous leave for caregiving intensity

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

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