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HB 1658

Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Civics Education Act," which requires persons seeking the first issuance of a practitioner teacher license or practitioner occupational teacher license to achieve a passing score on a United States civics test prepared by the department of education in order to obtain the license. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kip Capley

Tennessee teachers must pass a state civics exam to obtain initial licenses, potentially raising barriers to teacher certification during workforce shortages.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1658

Legislative bill overview

HB 1658 requires all individuals seeking initial teacher licensure in Tennessee to pass a civics test administered by the state Department of Education. This applies to both traditional teacher licenses and occupational teacher licenses. The bill amends Tennessee's education code to add this civics competency requirement to the licensure process.

Why is this important

Teacher licensure requirements directly affect who can enter the profession and what knowledge base new educators must demonstrate. This policy assumes civics knowledge is essential for teachers to impart to students, though it also adds a barrier to teacher certification that could impact workforce pipeline and recruitment during periods of teacher shortages.

Potential points of contention

  • Teacher recruitment impact: Adding licensing requirements may discourage career-changers or those from non-traditional backgrounds from entering teaching, potentially worsening existing teacher shortages
  • Test design and fairness: Questions about what content the state civics test covers, whether it's culturally neutral, and how difficult the passing threshold is set
  • Scope of requirement: Unclear whether this applies retroactively to existing teachers or only new applicants, and whether it covers all teacher types equally

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

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